In a update on Kickstarter Eldet developer, Marccus Ehren, set out to dispel some fan misconceptions surrounding his LGBT visual novel. Eldet is a medieval fantasy adventure with an emphasis on inclusion. It features characters from all over the LGBT spectrum as well as many people of color. This has been enticing for fans looking for more representation, leading to an extremely successful campaign. Unfortunately, Ehren feels it may also have lead people to misconstrue the focus of the narrative.
“The bulk of games with gay main characters and romance content which utilize the visual novel/dating sim/similar formats tend to have lots of sexual content and a heavy emphasis on that feature of their stories, but I’ve made a point in reiterating that this is not my emphasis as I go about making Eldet,” Ehren wrote.
Rather, the ‘sexual’ content will be more in-line with the sort of material available in games such as Mass Effect or Dragon Age. The final product is still intended for 18+, but will focus primarily on telling a story and developing relationships, not gratuitous sexual content.
Hardcore Plot
“My intention is to write and illustrate the scenes both intimately and tastefully–think of what’s able to be depicted in other games or television or movies–extraordinarily explicit content isn’t necessary, and that’s not the kind of game I’m interested in making.”
All of this isn’t to say that Eldet is going to be particularly modest with its erotic encounters. Ehren promises a ‘large amount’ of special or CG scenes peppered into the script.
“I really don’t think that anyone will be disappointed,” he added.
Ehren has had to step in and temper the expectations of his enthusiastic fanbase prior to this. He addressed similar issues over on his Tumblr blog regarding the lack of character customization in Eldet. He received numerous requests to be able to change or fine-tune the appearance of Eldet’s characters. Finally, he posted that this did not fit with his vision for Eldet. Diversity isn’t just about different choices, but allowing people to be different than we imagine them.
“If a player doesn’t find an in-game character physically attractive, or if they think they don’t look how they should, the game is not going to force you into a relationship with them, or even force you to be friendly towards them. All you’re forced to do is contend with the idea that not every person is going to look exactly how you wish they would look.”
It’s great to see a developer so passionate about what they are trying to achieve. It can be very tempting to give-in and cater to demands by loyal fans, especially in crowdfunding. But, Eldet looks steadfast in its mission to focus on story over explicit material.
