Reader Discussion: Do You Date Video Game Characters?

Fans judge games according to many different factors, including things like combat, controls, story, and setting. However, for many gamers, there's another equally important category: romance.

Mass Effect: Andromeda and Persona 5 are two recent RPGs from series that have a tradition of letting players pursue romantic relationships – and some people get super-invested in their digital dating lives. This isn't about games in which two characters are thrown together automatically as part of the plot; it's about when you have control over the outcome, and are able to actively woo the characters you like.

So, when you're playing a game, how important is it for you to have a potential love interest? Is it a requirement? Or does it feel forced? If there are multiple options, do you agonize over who you should pick?   

Share your thoughts in the comments below!