I now pronounce you Dwarf & Hobbit...oops!

[Durelin]

You know, after a bit more thought, I really can't see how the marriage system will have any real effect on the dynamics of the game, anyway, except on the personal level, so...why not allow it?

Originally Posted by SPM

Its not an issue of political correctness. Homesexuality is a fact of life, not a cause. Is it right that this game should either exclude gay people or else force them to play a role with which they do not feel comfortable?

It shouldn't be an issue of political correctness, but ultimately the company's decision-making is likely going to be affected considerably by politics. Not just because of losing some players (they could lose players with either decision I expect), but because of what kind of media-coverage the company and the game will get.

As for the "evils" of Turbine making money - I tend to doubt the higher-ups in any company, but I expect most of those working on the project are people who have wanted to live in ME at one point in their life, and running around as a virtual person in a virtual rendition of it is probably of personal interest to them. I can't see anyone working on one game for so long without some interest.

The fantasy RPGs of all sorts all have their roots in Tolkien, and yes, the movies did open up the possibility of such a largescale video game, but...is that really so bad? Everquesters and WoWers need to be introduced to where all their elves and orcs/orks were taken (stolen? ) from!

Edit: When I was talking about the company "fearing the media," so to speak, I don't think of that as showing that the company is somehow "moraless." I mean, it's a company, and particularly with how the media will jump on anything today, they have every reason to be careful for that...well, reason.

[The Saucepan Man]

Originally Posted by Durelin

I tend to doubt the higher-ups in any company ...

You know, just like "normal" people, some can be good, some can be bad and some can be indifferent. Trust me on this.

[Durelin]

"I know" (how many times have you heard that out of a 17 year-old!)...I call that my admission that I am biased as...a naive 'middle-class' teenager? Borderline self-righteous and/or emo?

*rages* Evil government...anarchy...heartless consumer murderers...eat more tofu...