Unveiling the Troubling Roots of Early Erotic Video Games
The PAX West 2025’s Decades of Digital Love panel shed light on a disturbing trend in the world of gaming that many might prefer to forget but simply cannot afford to ignore. Hosted by Jennasis and Virvada, known for their insightful podcast Two Girls One Ship, this panel delved into the underbelly of what is remembered as the “first smut boom.”
The Rise of Relationship Gaming
Today, relationship and romance mechanics in video games are almost a staple, permeating beloved franchises like Baldur’s Gate. However, the path to such storytelling richness is marred by an unsettling history that goes back nearly half a century. According to Popverse, the panel highlighted the uncomfortable truth: many early games had a troubling take on consent, or rather the lack of it.
“First Smut Boom” of the 80s
In the 1980s, during a time when industry regulation was merely an afterthought, a slew of erotic video games emerged, emphasizing content that was anything but consensual. This era, humorously labeled as the “first smut boom,” underscores a worrying acceptance of sexual narratives devoid of mutual agreement in the early gaming culture.
PAX West 2025: Reflective Gaming Culture
PAX West provides an invaluable platform for such conversations, engaging the community in reflecting on the evolution of gaming narratives. Between its expansive expo halls and dynamic panels, gaming aficionados have the opportunity to immerse themselves in discussions that not only celebrate advancements but also critically assess past missteps.
Moving Towards a More Respectful Industry
Today, the gaming industry strives to correct these historical blunders by advancing the inclusivity and depth of its narrative structures. Games now often emphasize meaningful player agency and representation, paving the way for more supportive and empowering gaming environments.
Engaging with the Past to Shape the Future
It’s essential for modern gamers and creators to engage with this history, not out of nostalgia but as a lesson. Recognizing the problematic aspects of past gaming narratives helps inform better, more empathetic stories. As discussed during the PAX West panel, understanding these roots is vital for reinforcing the necessity of consent and respect in digital storytelling.
Conclusion: A Call to Awareness
The panel reminded PAX West attendees and the broader gaming community that it’s crucial to remain vigilant and informed. As games continue to evolve, both players and creators share the responsibility to advocate for storytelling that champions consent and fosters inclusivity in every digital adventure.
The insights from PAX West 2025 echo a call for awareness and action within the gaming world, a reminder that while the past cannot be changed, it can indeed guide a better future.