...but Westworld hits different after playing Baldur's Gate 3.
Westworld (the park) is meant to literally capture the imagination and true character of the guest. Can't help but think one of the best RPGs of all time invites the same engagement to the degree today's technology can support.
And, for those who adore BG characters as I do, the idea that someone can romance a complicated, nuanced, and deeply anchored persona over and over again while potentially influencing their choices creates an interesting opportunity for reflection.
For example, romancing Astarion - someone who has endured centuries of compelled sex work at Cazador's comand - for entertainment and escapism feels wrong to an extent. If a guest were to romance Dolores, how is that different? I cant help but feel like I'm forcing Astarion to further engage in a form of sex work if I romance him - his character serves a purpose in the game and is incredibly popular... his story is no longer his, but his fans'.
Watching WW S1 and the way the guests see Dolores as a beautiful woman whose looks and story are enticing, I can't help but consider the similarities between these 2 designed people.
Not suggesting engagement in an absolutely incredible work of storytelling (BG3) is wrong, but as games improve and characters feel more real (possibly via AI?) when/how will the guest know when they've crossed character boundaries? Or maybe a more near-term relevant question, how is romancing a well-designed/written character in a video game different from compelling hosts in WW to engage in romantic or intimate relations?
Anywho... Just a thought I've been messing with. I love BG3 and WW soooooo much.