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Thank you, DEVS, for letting me show my feelings – SOLSTICE SPOILERS
Llinwen
✭✭
In general, the new “roleplay answers” system was amazing and so much fun, and I really love that you did this.
But most of all, I want to thank you wholeheartedly for finally letting me express how I feel about Darien. I have loved him for several years now, and when he was gone, I never stopped searching for him. I read every book, climbed every mountain, forded every stream, scaled every dungeon, and dug up every artifact, just to find anything that might bring him back. I was afraid that even if he ever returned, he would never know how much we missed him.
But Skordo told him that Gabrielle and I never stopped looking, and just knowing that he knows made me incredibly happy and strangely relieved.
The whole romance ending was asolutely delightful. Hearing Darien say those words is a dream come true. I still can’t believe how lucky I am that he would choose me.
But what got me the most was when he says „I just can't get you out of my head. Every moment. Every thought. Even when I was in the depths of despair, it's your face I see.“. Damn, did you find my journal lying somewhere? Because this is exactly how I feel about him too. All those years, I imagined the moment I would save him from the Colored Rooms, but I never dared to dream that he might feel the same way about me. Of course I was hoping he felt something for me, especially after writing that he will miss me the most, but knowing he felt this this deeply... gods). And the way Jon Curry delivered those lines completely melted my heart. So tender and honest. Haha I’m crying just typing about it
As for people saying he was “whiny” on Solstice – I think he was being human and fragile and I loved being there for him. I certainly wouldn’t be very heroic if I woke up after several years of death only to watch one of my closest friends die right in front of me. I’m glad he was finally able to show his insecurities instead of hiding behind jokes and flirtation. But mostly I’m glad we overcame it together.
I’d also like to confess that I actually started exercising in real life because of Darien, purely motivated by the idea of someday being strong enough to punch Meridia in the face. I’ve been doing it almost daily for about six years now. Thank you, Darien, for making my life better.
(Also, I always keep spare Crowns… just in case Darien ever becomes a houseguest. That wouldn’t interfere with future quests, right? Please? I’d love to finally have a home where we can be happy. He deserves it. Or even just being able to visit him somewhere in the world (in the after-romance timeline) so I can tell him how much I love him every day.)
I’m sharing this not to talk about my feelings for Darien, but so the DEVS know how incredibly grateful we are. Writing something this personal isn’t easy for me, but I wanted you to see how much this quest resonated with us, and how much we hope for more stories like this in the future (and more Darien).
TL;DR: Thank you for everything you did with Darien. I appreciate it more than I can put into words. The only thing missing for complete happiness would be having Darien as a houseguest
But most of all, I want to thank you wholeheartedly for finally letting me express how I feel about Darien. I have loved him for several years now, and when he was gone, I never stopped searching for him. I read every book, climbed every mountain, forded every stream, scaled every dungeon, and dug up every artifact, just to find anything that might bring him back. I was afraid that even if he ever returned, he would never know how much we missed him.
But Skordo told him that Gabrielle and I never stopped looking, and just knowing that he knows made me incredibly happy and strangely relieved.
The whole romance ending was asolutely delightful. Hearing Darien say those words is a dream come true. I still can’t believe how lucky I am that he would choose me.
But what got me the most was when he says „I just can't get you out of my head. Every moment. Every thought. Even when I was in the depths of despair, it's your face I see.“. Damn, did you find my journal lying somewhere? Because this is exactly how I feel about him too. All those years, I imagined the moment I would save him from the Colored Rooms, but I never dared to dream that he might feel the same way about me. Of course I was hoping he felt something for me, especially after writing that he will miss me the most, but knowing he felt this this deeply... gods). And the way Jon Curry delivered those lines completely melted my heart. So tender and honest. Haha I’m crying just typing about it
As for people saying he was “whiny” on Solstice – I think he was being human and fragile and I loved being there for him. I certainly wouldn’t be very heroic if I woke up after several years of death only to watch one of my closest friends die right in front of me. I’m glad he was finally able to show his insecurities instead of hiding behind jokes and flirtation. But mostly I’m glad we overcame it together.
I’d also like to confess that I actually started exercising in real life because of Darien, purely motivated by the idea of someday being strong enough to punch Meridia in the face. I’ve been doing it almost daily for about six years now. Thank you, Darien, for making my life better.
(Also, I always keep spare Crowns… just in case Darien ever becomes a houseguest. That wouldn’t interfere with future quests, right? Please? I’d love to finally have a home where we can be happy. He deserves it. Or even just being able to visit him somewhere in the world (in the after-romance timeline) so I can tell him how much I love him every day.)
I’m sharing this not to talk about my feelings for Darien, but so the DEVS know how incredibly grateful we are. Writing something this personal isn’t easy for me, but I wanted you to see how much this quest resonated with us, and how much we hope for more stories like this in the future (and more Darien).
TL;DR: Thank you for everything you did with Darien. I appreciate it more than I can put into words. The only thing missing for complete happiness would be having Darien as a houseguest
Love and imagination are the only magical powers that everyone possesses. If you can cultivate those, consider yourself a magician.
15
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AScarlato✭✭✭✭✭
✭Also appreciated the expansion into dialogue options and like to see them trying to add new features to the narrative.
I know a lot of people weren't interested in Darien for a romance but have mentioned other characters like Naryu so maybe they will expand on that.
4 -
Sotha_Sil✭✭✭✭✭
✭Good for you!
I did not like the Darien's story because it was always about Gabrielle, and it was so weird that the player was mixing in it. Furthermore, with this new dialog system, I felt forced to choose some options to see what was going to happen in the end. I like the system but it needs more depth. There is another quest (not darien related, I can't remember which one) where it gets really weird in East Solstice with awkward, shocking options to kill people in a really demented way. I have never been offended in anything in ESO but that quest was something...
Also, we got Raz but nothing happened on that front. I would have prefered Raz!Edited by Sotha_Sil on January 11, 2026 3:58PMRestoration is a perfectly valid school of magic, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise! - Spells and incantations for those with the talent to cast them!2 -
SummersetCitizen✭✭✭✭✭I appreciate the enthusiasm for the writing and voice acting, and it’s fair to praise developers for work that resonated with you. That said, this post goes far beyond appreciation and enters territory that is genuinely unsettling. Romantic fixation on a fictional character… especially when described as long-term emotional reliance, imagined reciprocity, and real-life behavioral motivation… reads less like fandom and more like maladaptive attachment.
When the boundary between narrative enjoyment and personal identity blurs this completely, it raises legitimate concerns about mental and emotional well-being.
Praising creative work is valid. Framing a fictional character as a substitute partner or emotional anchor is not healthy, and it is uncomfortable to read in a public space in my opinion.10 -
Lucasl402✭✭✭✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »I appreciate the enthusiasm for the writing and voice acting, and it’s fair to praise developers for work that resonated with you. That said, this post goes far beyond appreciation and enters territory that is genuinely unsettling. Romantic fixation on a fictional character… especially when described as long-term emotional reliance, imagined reciprocity, and real-life behavioral motivation… reads less like fandom and more like maladaptive attachment.
When the boundary between narrative enjoyment and personal identity blurs this completely, it raises legitimate concerns about mental and emotional well-being.
Praising creative work is valid. Framing a fictional character as a substitute partner or emotional anchor is not healthy, and it is uncomfortable to read in a public space in my opinion.
Agreed.2 -
AScarlato✭✭✭✭✭
✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »I appreciate the enthusiasm for the writing and voice acting, and it’s fair to praise developers for work that resonated with you. That said, this post goes far beyond appreciation and enters territory that is genuinely unsettling. Romantic fixation on a fictional character… especially when described as long-term emotional reliance, imagined reciprocity, and real-life behavioral motivation… reads less like fandom and more like maladaptive attachment.
When the boundary between narrative enjoyment and personal identity blurs this completely, it raises legitimate concerns about mental and emotional well-being.
Praising creative work is valid. Framing a fictional character as a substitute partner or emotional anchor is not healthy, and it is uncomfortable to read in a public space in my opinion.
As I read OP - I went back and forth during the reading wondering if it was satire at times. I see your point, but I think it's outside our role as forum users to delve into any poster's individual psychology.
They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.Edited by AScarlato on January 11, 2026 4:54PM7 -
SummersetCitizen✭✭✭✭✭
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?4 -
AScarlato✭✭✭✭✭
✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?
That's fine, but a lot of people - many perfectly functioning people with careers/families/etc., do enjoy romance options in RPG narratives. They are very popular and often the source of much fandom and discussion in narrative-based games.
It's quite easy to simply not pick those dialogue options, and it isn't necessary to add your thoughts on whether someone is maladaptive based on them enjoying them or not.6 -
spartaxoxo✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?
The OP is a bit much. I think they've mixed their roleplaying up with their IRL in this post. At least, I hope that's all it it. But if they all did was use Darien as inspiration for hitting the gym then that's fine and you'd be surprised how many people hit the gym because of art and come out better for it. Lotta Dragonball Z, One Punch Man, and Naruto bros at one near me, anyway.
But romance options in general are not much different to romance in any other piece of fiction. It's literally one of the oldest forms of fiction to exist. And the Elder Scrolls franchise has had romance options for decades now.
If romance options in video games makes someone uncomfortable, they can just not participate in it.Edited by spartaxoxo on January 11, 2026 5:20PM8 -
freespirit✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?
Have you never been totally overtaken by the emotions elicited by a good book?
Have you never watched a great film and fantasised a romantic relationship with the main character, not the actor, the character being portrayed?
Why should a video game NOT be allowed to have the ability to produce similar emotions?When people say to me........
"You're going to regret that in the morning"
I sleep until midday cos I'm a problem solver!11 -
Lucasl402✭✭✭✭freespirit wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?
Have you never been totally overtaken by the emotions elicited by a good book?
Have you never watched a great film and fantasised a romantic relationship with the main character, not the actor, the character being portrayed?
Why should a video game NOT be allowed to have the ability to produce similar emotions?
Because it's unhealthy and maladjusted to do so.5 -
freespirit✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭freespirit wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?
Have you never been totally overtaken by the emotions elicited by a good book?
Have you never watched a great film and fantasised a romantic relationship with the main character, not the actor, the character being portrayed?
Why should a video game NOT be allowed to have the ability to produce similar emotions?
Because it's unhealthy and maladjusted to do so.
I find that very sad and whilst I've never felt romantically attracted to any ESO character's, although Jakarn is quite cute, I have laughed at, cried with and wanted to slap certain NPC's.
Personally I've always considered that to be me engaging with well written stories.
To find that I'm unhealthy and maladjusted comes as quite a surprise!! 😲
When people say to me........
"You're going to regret that in the morning"
I sleep until midday cos I'm a problem solver!8 -
Elyon3019✭✭✭freespirit wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?
Have you never been totally overtaken by the emotions elicited by a good book?
Have you never watched a great film and fantasised a romantic relationship with the main character, not the actor, the character being portrayed?
Why should a video game NOT be allowed to have the ability to produce similar emotions?
Because it's unhealthy and maladjusted to do so.
Lack of imagination, sad. Emotions like these add to the enjoyment of the game. What is the basis for example Baldur's Gate 3's success? Would it have won the Game of the Year award without romances? Hardly.
8 -
spartaxoxo✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭freespirit wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?
Have you never been totally overtaken by the emotions elicited by a good book?
Have you never watched a great film and fantasised a romantic relationship with the main character, not the actor, the character being portrayed?
Why should a video game NOT be allowed to have the ability to produce similar emotions?
Because it's unhealthy and maladjusted to do so.
Only if it interferes with someone's personal life, or leads to them harming themselves or others. If they're neglecting having interpersonal relationships, missing work, not taking care of hygiene, etc.
It's not unhealthy to be a fan of a work or to be inspired by to get into healthy hobbies like fitness and art. It's not unhealthy for art to evoke emotion.
ETA
An easy thing someone can do if they care about the mental health of others is to not armchair diagnose people or make other stigmatizing remarks as stigma is one of the greatest barriers to treatment.Edited by spartaxoxo on January 11, 2026 5:55PM8 -
Lucasl402✭✭✭✭freespirit wrote: »freespirit wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »
I understand your point, but this is a video game forum, and it’s fair to critique the direction of the content.They did post that they have a hard time sharing, so public responses that they may have emotional issues may not be very helpful.
Personally, I find the focus on romancing fictional characters off-putting and disconnected from what makes the game compelling. I also think it opens the door for some maladaptive behaviors which is concerning.
There are lots of places you can seek romance from a computer. Why do we need it in ESO?
Have you never been totally overtaken by the emotions elicited by a good book?
Have you never watched a great film and fantasised a romantic relationship with the main character, not the actor, the character being portrayed?
Why should a video game NOT be allowed to have the ability to produce similar emotions?
Because it's unhealthy and maladjusted to do so.
I find that very sad and whilst I've never felt romantically attracted to any ESO character's, although Jakarn is quite cute, I have laughed at, cried with and wanted to slap certain NPC's.
Personally I've always considered that to be me engaging with well written stories.
To find that I'm unhealthy and maladjusted comes as quite a surprise!! 😲
Sorry, I'm not a psychiatrist or a counselor. I only know that engaging in romantic feelings with fictional entities is unhealthy. You'll have the ask the professionals why.5 -
Syldras✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭What is the basis for example Baldur's Gate 3's success? Would it have won the Game of the Year award without romances? Hardly.
That sounds like the rest of the story isn't particularly interesting if only the fact of being able to flirt with npcs makes the huge difference (in a general rpg, not a romance game)? I didn't play it yet, I'm genuinely curious.@Syldras | PC | EU
The forceful expression of will gives true honor to the Ancestors.
Sarayn Andrethi, Telvanni mage (Main)
Darvasa Andrethi, his "I'm NOT a Necromancer!" sister
Malacar Sunavarlas, Altmer Ayleid vampire
Soris Rethandus, a Sleeper not yet awake0 -
AScarlato✭✭✭✭✭
✭What is the basis for example Baldur's Gate 3's success? Would it have won the Game of the Year award without romances? Hardly.
That sounds like the rest of the story isn't particularly interesting if only the fact of being able to flirt with npcs makes the huge difference (in a general rpg, not a romance game)? I didn't play it yet, I'm genuinely curious.
The game is outstanding even if you don't romance anyone. Romance content is like at most maybe an hour of scenes (probably less) and my runs have been 150ish hours each time I play.
That said they certainly add another stake to your story and immersion into the world and attachment to the characters.
Again, I understand if people simply don't care about romance. It's not a genre for everyone. Or maybe they just dont like the characters who are options - that happens. But it shouldn't be ignored that romance can draw in new fans for a series, and is content that is widely enjoyed and can be an asset to a story.7 -
SummersetCitizen✭✭✭✭✭When I see a news story about someone falling in love with an AI chatbot, it makes me sad for the person. I don’t view it as empowering for the person.
This isn’t the same, but a very simple version of it. The OP stated that they fell in love with a fictional computer character who doesn’t exist. That is concerning to me and not something ZOS should be dipping their toes into.5 -
AScarlato✭✭✭✭✭
✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »When I see a news story about someone falling in love with an AI chatbot, it makes me sad for the person. I don’t view it as empowering for the person.
This isn’t the same, but a very simple version of it. The OP stated that they fell in love with a fictional computer character who doesn’t exist. That is concerning to me and not something ZOS should be dipping their toes into.
Even if you are truly concerned for OP specifically for some reason, you seem to be suggesting that ZOS should not be exploring romance options because...why exactly?
Millions of game players have enjoyed RPG romances without it rising to the level of someone falling in love with a fictional character as though it were a real person.
Maybe the toes that don't need to be dipped are forum posters into aspects of another's personal life that isn't the actual topic.5 -
SummersetCitizen✭✭✭✭✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »When I see a news story about someone falling in love with an AI chatbot, it makes me sad for the person. I don’t view it as empowering for the person.
This isn’t the same, but a very simple version of it. The OP stated that they fell in love with a fictional computer character who doesn’t exist. That is concerning to me and not something ZOS should be dipping their toes into.
Even if you are truly concerned for OP specifically for some reason, you seem to be suggesting that ZOS should not be exploring romance options because...why exactly?
Millions of game players have enjoyed RPG romances without it rising to the level of someone falling in love with a fictional character as though it were a real person.
Maybe the toes that don't need to be dipped are forum posters into aspects of another's personal life that isn't the actual topic.
The real question is, should we be allowed to take our pants off in front of Darien? /s
Nothing’s wrong with what they’ve done so far. But clearly people are taking it to the next level.
I’m just concerned if they enhance romance features, we will get more concerning posts like this.1 -
AScarlato✭✭✭✭✭
✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »When I see a news story about someone falling in love with an AI chatbot, it makes me sad for the person. I don’t view it as empowering for the person.
This isn’t the same, but a very simple version of it. The OP stated that they fell in love with a fictional computer character who doesn’t exist. That is concerning to me and not something ZOS should be dipping their toes into.
Even if you are truly concerned for OP specifically for some reason, you seem to be suggesting that ZOS should not be exploring romance options because...why exactly?
Millions of game players have enjoyed RPG romances without it rising to the level of someone falling in love with a fictional character as though it were a real person.
Maybe the toes that don't need to be dipped are forum posters into aspects of another's personal life that isn't the actual topic.
The real question is, should we be allowed to take our pants off in front of Darien? /s
Nothing’s wrong with what they’ve done so far. But clearly people are taking it to the next level.
I’m just concerned if they enhance romance features, we will get more concerning posts like this.
Let them worry about their own lives. You don't know these people behind the screen.
This sounds like people that argued against violence in video games because it may encourage bad behavior.10 -
SummersetCitizen✭✭✭✭✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »When I see a news story about someone falling in love with an AI chatbot, it makes me sad for the person. I don’t view it as empowering for the person.
This isn’t the same, but a very simple version of it. The OP stated that they fell in love with a fictional computer character who doesn’t exist. That is concerning to me and not something ZOS should be dipping their toes into.
Even if you are truly concerned for OP specifically for some reason, you seem to be suggesting that ZOS should not be exploring romance options because...why exactly?
Millions of game players have enjoyed RPG romances without it rising to the level of someone falling in love with a fictional character as though it were a real person.
Maybe the toes that don't need to be dipped are forum posters into aspects of another's personal life that isn't the actual topic.
The real question is, should we be allowed to take our pants off in front of Darien? /s
Nothing’s wrong with what they’ve done so far. But clearly people are taking it to the next level.
I’m just concerned if they enhance romance features, we will get more concerning posts like this.
Let them worry about their own lives. You don't know these people behind the screen.
This sounds like people that argued against violence in video games because it may encourage bad behavior.
If you want to do romantic role-play with computer code, go right ahead. I just never thought of ESO as trying to cater to that kink.
The OP is thanking the Devs for something that I don’t agree. I was just expressing disagreement while also trying to be considerate of their well being.Edited by SummersetCitizen on January 11, 2026 9:00PM1 -
AScarlato✭✭✭✭✭
✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »When I see a news story about someone falling in love with an AI chatbot, it makes me sad for the person. I don’t view it as empowering for the person.
This isn’t the same, but a very simple version of it. The OP stated that they fell in love with a fictional computer character who doesn’t exist. That is concerning to me and not something ZOS should be dipping their toes into.
Even if you are truly concerned for OP specifically for some reason, you seem to be suggesting that ZOS should not be exploring romance options because...why exactly?
Millions of game players have enjoyed RPG romances without it rising to the level of someone falling in love with a fictional character as though it were a real person.
Maybe the toes that don't need to be dipped are forum posters into aspects of another's personal life that isn't the actual topic.
The real question is, should we be allowed to take our pants off in front of Darien? /s
Nothing’s wrong with what they’ve done so far. But clearly people are taking it to the next level.
I’m just concerned if they enhance romance features, we will get more concerning posts like this.
Let them worry about their own lives. You don't know these people behind the screen.
This sounds like people that argued against violence in video games because it may encourage bad behavior.
If you want to do romantic role-play with computer code, go right ahead. I just never thought of ESO as trying to cater to that kink.
The OP is thanking the Devs for something that I don’t agree. I was just expressing disagreement while also trying to be considerate of their well being.
So now the millions upon millions of people who have enjoyed RPG romance narratives have a "kink?" I'm beginnig to believe your aversion to RPG romances at that level is concerning.
This was a feature that had been requested on more than one occasion by members of their customer base. ESO is an MMO, but also an Elder Scrolls game. The amount of romance content in the game is presently such a small fraction of development.
I hope they continue to add small nods to their players that mostly play this game as an RPG. I am happy that OP found such inspiration in their time playing ESO. I'm sure they came here to share their joy - not have strangers psychoanalyze them.Edited by AScarlato on January 11, 2026 9:09PM15 -
spartaxoxo✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭SummersetCitizen wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »SummersetCitizen wrote: »When I see a news story about someone falling in love with an AI chatbot, it makes me sad for the person. I don’t view it as empowering for the person.
This isn’t the same, but a very simple version of it. The OP stated that they fell in love with a fictional computer character who doesn’t exist. That is concerning to me and not something ZOS should be dipping their toes into.
Even if you are truly concerned for OP specifically for some reason, you seem to be suggesting that ZOS should not be exploring romance options because...why exactly?
Millions of game players have enjoyed RPG romances without it rising to the level of someone falling in love with a fictional character as though it were a real person.
Maybe the toes that don't need to be dipped are forum posters into aspects of another's personal life that isn't the actual topic.
The real question is, should we be allowed to take our pants off in front of Darien? /s
Nothing’s wrong with what they’ve done so far. But clearly people are taking it to the next level.
I’m just concerned if they enhance romance features, we will get more concerning posts like this.
Let them worry about their own lives. You don't know these people behind the screen.
This sounds like people that argued against violence in video games because it may encourage bad behavior.
If you want to do romantic role-play with computer code, go right ahead. I just never thought of ESO as trying to cater to that kink.
The OP is thanking the Devs for something that I don’t agree. I was just expressing disagreement while also trying to be considerate of their well being.
Romance novels are even taught in school, dude. You think everyone reading Romeo and Juliet are thinking about that sort of material??? You think Disney's Cinderella is that type of material? Romance is not automatically that sort of material and ESO doesn't contain it. Have you seen the romance in Skyrim? It's just a spouse baking pies for you and calling you dear. Maybe you adopt a kid and give them stuff. It's very tame. The romance stuff in this game is PG-13 at best. The type of thing you'd see in a Marvel movie. Unless you're going to tell me that Thor is also that sort of material.Edited by spartaxoxo on January 11, 2026 9:21PM8 -
Elyon3019✭✭✭Just out of curiosity, opponents of romances, who are your characters? Asexual heroes who save Tamriel but want to die alone? Don't you think your characters deserve romantic partners too?6
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AScarlato✭✭✭✭✭
✭Just out of curiosity, opponents of romances, who are your characters? Asexual heroes who save Tamriel but want to die alone? Don't you think your characters deserve romantic partners too?
Probably a lot of such people are not much into role playing but instead just mmo gameplay.
I know a lot of people who don’t care about the story at all but like PvP or trials which is fine.
But if that is the case I wonder why they would care if others click on different dialogue options.Edited by AScarlato on January 11, 2026 9:31PM9 -
Syldras✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭Just out of curiosity, opponents of romances, who are your characters? Asexual heroes who save Tamriel but want to die alone? Don't you think your characters deserve romantic partners too?
I am not an opponent of romance content in rpgs because I see it as a normal part of a fictional word. The only thing I'd debate about is how exactly it's implemented.
Still I'm wondering now: If some of my characters are asexual and aromantic, how is that a problem?@Syldras | PC | EU
The forceful expression of will gives true honor to the Ancestors.
Sarayn Andrethi, Telvanni mage (Main)
Darvasa Andrethi, his "I'm NOT a Necromancer!" sister
Malacar Sunavarlas, Altmer Ayleid vampire
Soris Rethandus, a Sleeper not yet awake7 -
Elyon3019✭✭✭Just out of curiosity, opponents of romances, who are your characters? Asexual heroes who save Tamriel but want to die alone? Don't you think your characters deserve romantic partners too?
I am not an opponent of romance content in rpgs because I see it as a normal part of a fictional word. The only thing I'd debate about is how exactly it's implemented.
Still I'm wondering now: If some of my characters are asexual and aromantic, how is that a problem?
That's not a problem at all. Is it a problem that my character isn't asexual and I would like a partner for her, and therefore some romance content in this game?4 -
Syldras✭✭✭✭✭
✭✭✭✭✭That's not a problem at all. Is it a problem that my character isn't asexual and I would like a partner for her, and therefore some romance content in this game?
As I said, I have absolutely no problem at all with the topic of romance in rpgs.
What I'm commenting on was the wording that sounded like asexual and/or aromantic characters were a bad or unnatural thing and players doing it somehow don't think their character deserves a partner and is supposed to die alone (there's that wonderful thing called friendship, by the way - no need to die alone just because there's no romantic/sexual partner in one's life). Just saying that some people are like this or play characters like this and there's nothing bad or wrong about it.@Syldras | PC | EU
The forceful expression of will gives true honor to the Ancestors.
Sarayn Andrethi, Telvanni mage (Main)
Darvasa Andrethi, his "I'm NOT a Necromancer!" sister
Malacar Sunavarlas, Altmer Ayleid vampire
Soris Rethandus, a Sleeper not yet awake7 -
Elyon3019✭✭✭That's their choice, but they shouldn't criticize others for wanting romances. OP just wanted to show their appreciation of in-game romance opportunities and they got suspected of being mentally ill.7
