So I hear a lot of people talking about romance as a big thing they want to see in future games, and what they have wanted to see in past games. Many see it as a way to improve immersion, because one is able to connect with a character in the world more.
But I think that something more important is the sociability of all characters in general; to connect with all your average people, because they are more interesting than the mudcrab-hating folk of Cyrodiil. When I played Star Wars The Force Unleashed 2, I actually felt bad about killing all the stormtroopers because of how they reacted to my attacks. Even something as little as that can make the player more connected to the characters in the world.

Now imagine if Tamriel's residents were deeper as a whole; reacting better to everything you do; attacks, small-talk, your clothing, and all sorts of stuff.

So my question to you is, would you rather see the general level of sociability in the game improved, or a much, much deeper select few NPCs who are attuned toward romance? Perhaps an even split?

I had a similar reaction when I played an old game called "No One Lives Forever." NOLF had, in my opinion, some of the most creative, well-written (and hilarious) dialog I've ever heard in a game. And after overhearing conversations between NPCs while sneaking around, I felt bad when circumstances forced me to kill them.

I have yet to see a game romance that I thought was handled well. Every game romance I have experienced has been a simplistic, dialog-based mini-game that bore little relation to the complexities of romance as found in real life.

I would love a realistic-feeling game romance that profoundly affected my emotions in some way. I believe it is possible. But until the writing and programming skill of developers improves, I will vote for sociability.

Romance; Only if it is done well, or I dont want it at all.

Sociability; Definately

Even Split; See above

If it's a straight pick between the two, I'll always go for general sociability. What's the point of being deeply involved with one NPC, when all the others are mindless drones?

As Pseron said, romance in a game up to now is pointless. I'm very attached to my roleplay characters, and I tend to experience whatever emotions they experience. If romance involves "do this, this and that to get her to marry you" then it'll ruin that for me. I'd rather have the romance in my imagination.

You are Correct sir. We need better over all General Social ability. I hate how some games just have the romance aspect...so you might, wind up even wooing same six. (No Hate to you homos out there, Just not my thing. ). I'm not down for that. Or even wind up Wooing random Females that you don't even give a crap about..like a Hotel/Inn Keeper who is...not even part of SIDE quests. lol

I Want to be able to distinguish, REGULAR General Social Skills in a game to every other counter part, then have my own romantic social skills for people I know I need to woo, such as to get ahead in a guild or get more info out of. Possibly even Romance.

Almost all my main characters I make with Silver Tongues...and almost always I keep getting...both sides "In Love" with me. Same with Fable. I want to TALK to the Merchant Store Owner, not Woo him. He's a Breton...not even my type...lol

I see it alot more in games, more Romance less Socializing. Like every character is turning into a "Romance" option...and It's just a guy who guards the Dirty Run Down Shack from Bums.

I'd like to Actually...be able to talk down my enemies. So far as...talking to a boss if availible. Kind of Like Mass Effect where you could literally TELL the bad guy to Shoot himself in the head and end it all...(Not TOO Much of a Spoiler from Mass Effect 1...seeing I didn't spoil the ending lol that is NOT How ME1 Ends to those who haven't played it yet. ).

I like the talking aspect of games. Some games...I just don't want a huge large boss fight damn it...I want to JOIN The Boss and be the NEW bad guy! IF I could have done that with Almalexia in Tribunal that expan would have been rated a 10 just for the story line in my book.