Mod The Sims - Can...pets...have same sex relationships?

Arisuka

6th Oct 2011, 12:01 AM

It happens in nature, apart from humans too. I've heard quite often of dog owners being distressed of their dog having... urges & relations only with same sex dogs. But come on, would you act as awfully distressed/awkward when you'd meet a person who'd turn out to be gay? lol I don't get what's the big deal. To me homosexuality is in the same pile as heterosexuality, all the same when it comes to the basics, which is just about warm squishy flesh of two living creatures.

simbalena

6th Oct 2011, 02:18 AM

They couldn't in TS2. From memory pets in TS2 only had friendships and they could mate if their friendship was high enough but never had romantic relationships. They might not have pet romantic relationships in TS3 either.

van Dorn

6th Oct 2011, 02:25 AM

No, I think pets can be set to mates in the relationship panel.

Celebriton

6th Oct 2011, 04:13 AM

BartholomewMaximillion

6th Oct 2011, 07:11 AM

I'm not really a fan of homosexual relationships (or relationships for that matter, since I just hook them up quick to have heirs and all) but I, too, don't see why they wouldn't include it. At least, if pets really are as controllable as EA claims and as thus have relationships similar to the sims now (friend, good friend, best friend, romantic interest, wife...enemy). Can't expect it to be there, and hell, we don't really have room to complain too much. EA, like other companies (not only gaming but companies in general) are restricted now by the cruelly strict mindset of people and groups like PETA (for Pets, anyway) and if PETA has something against it then I'm not sure EA would wanna risk it. PETA has, after all, something against everything. The real question after this is, "Can pets mate with their family?". Not that I'm requesting, of course... Inbreeding, while very, very wrong and disturbing is pretty addicting in TS3.

GigaRevival

6th Oct 2011, 07:43 AM

In my opinion, The Sims are crazy since they already support gay marriage, even before polygamy and polyandry.

In many culture, gay marriage is more controversial than polygamy/polyandry practice.

Even in the animal world too.....

Uh... you are aware that many animals have multiple partners, right? And homosexuality in the animal kingdom, although rare, is not unheard of; particularly in areas with a low female to male (male to female?) ratio.

I for one, would welcome it with all my little heart. Then I can create my totally FABULOUS tabby who had some questionable male partners when we lived in our apartment. I swear, my old cat was a gay pimp. It was by far the weirdest and most awesome thing EVAR.

*actually, he was bisexual... but for the sake of my argument; he was totally homosexual*

Celebriton

6th Oct 2011, 09:21 AM

Uh... you are aware that many animals have multiple partners, right? And homosexuality in the animal kingdom, although rare, is not unheard of; particularly in areas with a low female to male (male to female?) ratio.

I for one, would welcome it with all my little heart. Then I can create my totally FABULOUS tabby who had some questionable male partners when we lived in our apartment. I swear, my old cat was a gay pimp. It was by far the weirdest and most awesome thing EVAR.

*actually, he was bisexual... but for the sake of my argument; he was totally homosexual*

How big the homosexual community in animal world compare with their polygamy/polyandry practice?

noxnoxnox

6th Oct 2011, 09:55 AM

My two male cats are really into each other. :D

GigaRevival

6th Oct 2011, 10:16 AM

How big the homosexual community in animal world compare with their polygamy/polyandry practice?

What exactly are you getting at? That because there are more animals that have multiple partners than enter homosexual relationships, that it somehow makes it non-existent in the animal kingdom? Or are you legitimately curious?

Here>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality#Homosexual_behavior_in_animals (not the most in-depth source, but it will do for now)

"Homosexual behavior in animals refers to the documented evidence of homosexual, bisexual and transgender behavior in non-human animals. Such behaviors include sex, courtship, affection, pair bonding, and parenting.[19] Homosexual and bisexual behavior are widespread in the animal kingdom: a 1999 review by researcher Bruce Bagemihl shows that homosexual behavior has been observed in close to 1500 species, ranging from primates to gut worms, and is well documented for 500 of them.[19][22] Animal sexual behavior takes many different forms, even within the same species. The motivations for and implications of these behaviors have yet to be fully understood, since most species have yet to be fully studied."

I'm not sure what the comparison numbers are, but there is probably a reliable scholarly article out there somewhere to give the figures.

Anyway... if you're looking to get more in-depth then I suggest you start a new thread if you're really that curious (or do your own research) as this is getting off-topic. ;)

My two male cats are really into each other. :D

I LOVE it. :rofl: I take it you're for same-sex relationships in Pets? However unlikely it will be that they add it; it wasn't in TS2 (at least as far as I can remember), so it might not be in TS3 either. :|

Scarity

6th Oct 2011, 08:35 PM

I just figure if you can control the pets just like sims, they're more "charactesr" than "animals that walk around the house", and if my pets are gonna be characters, I will want to develop them like I do all my other sims.

aUserName

7th Oct 2011, 12:30 AM

Unfortunately, I don’t think you can. When I saved a family in the cracked demo, I couldn’t set two male cats as mates in cas, but I could set a male and female one. Of course, I don’t know what being a mate entails. It could just be for having kittens.

Srikandi

7th Oct 2011, 02:35 AM

My two male cats are really into each other. :D

But do they still have... yknow... all their parts? :)

However, apparently, yes there are gay cats: "In fact, apparent homosexual individuals are known from all of the traditional domestic species, from sheep, cattle and horses to cats, dogs and budgerigars." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_animals_practicing_homosexual_behavior

freelancergal

7th Oct 2011, 02:52 AM

I once had two pet mice who were very into each other. They were both female. Let's forget about the fact that they were also sisters... (ehrm)

Where's that awkward unicorn when you need it?

Kathwynn

7th Oct 2011, 03:22 AM

What exactly are you getting at? That because there are more animals that have multiple partners than enter homosexual relationships, that it somehow makes it non-existent in the animal kingdom? Or are you legitimately curious?

Here>>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homosexuality#Homosexual_behavior_in_animals (not the most in-depth source, but it will do for now)

"Homosexual behavior in animals refers to the documented evidence of homosexual, bisexual and transgender behavior in non-human animals. Such behaviors include sex, courtship, affection, pair bonding, and parenting.[19] Homosexual and bisexual behavior are widespread in the animal kingdom: a 1999 review by researcher Bruce Bagemihl shows that homosexual behavior has been observed in close to 1500 species, ranging from primates to gut worms, and is well documented for 500 of them.[19][22] Animal sexual behavior takes many different forms, even within the same species. The motivations for and implications of these behaviors have yet to be fully understood, since most species have yet to be fully studied."

I'm not sure what the comparison numbers are, but there is probably a reliable scholarly article out there somewhere to give the figures.

Anyway... if you're looking to get more in-depth then I suggest you start a new thread if you're really that curious (or do your own research) as this is getting off-topic. ;)

I LOVE it. :rofl: I take it you're for same-sex relationships in Pets? However unlikely it will be that they add it; it wasn't in TS2 (at least as far as I can remember), so it might not be in TS3 either. :|

Umm gut worms... :blink: Really?? Things a person could live happily about with out knowing... The sex life of gut worns.. Gay gut worm..Who would have believed it... :blink: :rofl:

BartholomewMaximillion

7th Oct 2011, 07:28 AM

"Homosexual behavior in animals refers to the documented evidence of homosexual, bisexual and transgender behavior in non-human animals. Such behaviors include sex, courtship, affection, pair bonding, and parenting.[19] Homosexual and bisexual behavior are widespread in the animal kingdom: a 1999 review by researcher Bruce Bagemihl shows that homosexual behavior has been observed in close to 1500 species, ranging from primates to gut worms, and is well documented for 500 of them.[19][22] Animal sexual behavior takes many different forms, even within the same species. The motivations for and implications of these behaviors have yet to be fully understood, since most species have yet to be fully studied."
I was under the impression gut worms didn't even have genders. I was always taught back in school that they reproduced asexually. Guess school's wrong about a lot of things, huh.

GigaRevival

7th Oct 2011, 07:35 AM

I was under the impression gut worms didn't even have genders. I was always taught back in school that they reproduced asexually. Guess school's wrong about a lot of things, huh.

Well... it *is* wikipedia; so it's not the most reliable source (although they have gotten better over the years). So I will concede that much.

In case you're really interested. (http://parasitology.com/worms/index.html) <--not the most vibrant reading material. Be warned, the picture of the hook worm is nightmare fuel... and this little research escapade will haunt my dreams.

juansfalcin

7th Oct 2011, 08:12 AM

This is the most funny/weird topic I've seen in a while.

I don't think they would include this, but it could be easily modded since they're not as regular as TS1 and TS2 pets and have more data to mess around, I guess.

LadyTopazHeart

9th Oct 2011, 11:00 PM

Ohh errrr! :heyhey: I wish they would add this but unfortunately I have a feeling ea wont include it =(

Kathwynn

10th Oct 2011, 03:21 AM

LadyTopazHeart That is just too funny.. It is the sort of kind of protest.. Wouldn't want any one to be upset.. So be careful of this kind of thing......... :rofl: ;)

Coddod

14th Oct 2011, 12:54 PM

No idea. I know same-sex relationships weren't in the last Pets EP, but how many other things weren't in it too?
I think there's a possibility because it would be crazy to include so many new features and forget to add that.
WE SHALL SEE IN A WEEK *squeals like a happy fangirl*

J. M. Pescado

14th Oct 2011, 01:03 PM

I don't think most animals have "relationships". They just...do their business. In fact, in TS2, animals were pretty much genderless, there was no real distinction between them. The animals did not engage in their traditional and expected gendered behaviors, and you didn't ever spay or neuter them.

Jasumi

15th Oct 2011, 12:03 AM

This is actually a very good question, I think O_O Never would have thought of that...

jay_envy

15th Oct 2011, 12:41 AM

In my opinion, The Sims are crazy since they already support gay marriage, even before polygamy and polyandry.

In many culture, gay marriage is more controversial than polygamy/polyandry practice.

Even in the animal world too.....

Except that in most cultures homosexual relations were actually quite common -- that is until the expansion of Christianity. The only reason homosexuality is viewed as 'wrong' is because society deemed it to be. I've written numerous papers on the subject so I'd gladly discuss this further with you.

I'm actually a little offended as well, that you would call supporting gay marriage to be "crazy". The Sims is out of those type of close-minded societal bonds, and I for one applaud EAxis for taking a risk and allowing Sims to have same-sex marriages. :beer:

Srikandi

15th Oct 2011, 02:54 AM

Except that in most cultures homosexual relations were actually quite common -- that is until the expansion of Christianity. The only reason homosexuality is viewed as 'wrong' is because society deemed it to be. I've written numerous papers on the subject so I'd gladly discuss this further with you.

I'm actually a little offended as well, that you would call supporting gay marriage to be "crazy". The Sims is out of those type of close-minded societal bonds, and I for one applaud EAxis for taking a risk and allowing Sims to have same-sex marriages. :beer:

Well, you could read Celebriton's post as advocating polygamy/polyandry in the sims, rather than critiquing gay marriage ;) s/he has a point, that is also a widespread human practice (and widespread in the animal world as well, at least as regards mating, since marriage isn't relevant there).

In much of contemporary Western society, gay marriage is considered more acceptable than polygamy... but the reverse is true in much of the rest of the world, and this was the case in many parts of the Western world as well until relatively recently (particularly if you include systems of "concubinage" among the aristocracy as well as plural marriages per se).

So, yeah... there's more than one alternative to the whole "one male/one female" model that has been prevalent in both human and animal societies. Let me add that in the human context I'm completely in favor of the legalization of gay marriage here and now... and a bit conflicted about polygamy, since though in theory I think individuals should be able to make their own decisions about such matters, in practice it tends to lead to bad outcomes for both women and children.

Which leads to the question: do pets have romantic reputation and/or other barriers to polyamorous behavior in Pets? :)

game90

15th Oct 2011, 04:12 AM

I think EA wouldn't bother to add pet-to-pet relationships. Too much work :)

Srikandi

15th Oct 2011, 04:48 AM

I think EA wouldn't bother to add pet-to-pet relationships. Too much work :)

Hmm? There are pet-to-pet relationships, you can see em in the previews, and in the unlocked demo.

And, since pets are basically sims... from a programming point of view... it is probably harder to REMOVE them than to add them. Anything a Sim does that a pet DOESN'T do requires extra programming.

SugarLyrical

23rd Nov 2011, 11:59 AM

Ohhhhhhh, can someone PLEASE just make a mod for this?!? I'd do it myself if I knew how to mod anything! >_< Unless it's already in the game! =D

I'll be so fed up if it's not... !

Zokugai

23rd Nov 2011, 12:19 PM

Which leads to the question: do pets have romantic reputation and/or other barriers to polyamorous behavior in Pets? :)

No. They list a pet as their "Mate" after woohoo but if they woohoo with a different pet, the label just moves over to them (with as far as I can tell, no jealousy mechanism). You can't have more than one listed as a mate at once, and there's no "romantic interest" beyond that, but it's not like the game actively fights you on it the way it would for sims.

Lance

23rd Nov 2011, 12:25 PM

I can see how animals can be homosexual, but the idea of them having romantic relationships is a bit too weird for me.

lumiina

24th Nov 2011, 04:00 AM

No. They list a pet as their "Mate" after woohoo but if they woohoo with a different pet, the label just moves over to them (with as far as I can tell, no jealousy mechanism). You can't have more than one listed as a mate at once, and there's no "romantic interest" beyond that, but it's not like the game actively fights you on it the way it would for sims.

Yup. There's no lovey-dovey pet relationships in sims. And no sexual urges for pets (neither opposite gendered or same gendered). So, there technically aren't even opposite sex relationships. Just a categorization system to remind a simmer who their pet last mated with. Or, a system to make the simmer feel like the two have a special bond, when really they are just like friends.

Rockerduck

24th Nov 2011, 07:57 PM

Can...pets...have same sex relationships

Eh ... what? *blinks confusedly*

Pets? Romance? Relationships? Let's face it, this is little more than an EAxian attempt of keeping "The Sims" series a cuddly cutesy teenage thing or something.
Therefore, wondering about same sex relationships and pets is brain busting.
Who cares? Who cares about pet romance? I mean, seriously - who does? 0_o

I can see how animals can be homosexual, but the idea of them having romantic relationships is a bit too weird for me.

So, there technically aren't even opposite sex relationships. Just a categorization system to remind a simmer who their pet last mated with. Or, a system to make the simmer feel like the two have a special bond, when really they are just like friends.

I agree. And I agree. Pets don't have romantic relationships, period. The game might claim so for gameplay reasons (namely the family tree) but that's just that. I don't expect a mare to be in love with a stallion simply because he's the father of her foal. You know how these things work irl, right? There's no mating involved whatsoever. So, yeah. This is bogus, all of it. :P

Srikandi

24th Nov 2011, 11:04 PM

Pets don't have romantic relationships, period.

I don't think it's anything like that clear.

You can certainly argue about what qualifies as "romance"... and if you like, you can define the word in such a way that it's nonsensical for any animal to experience it, by insisting that it involve species-specific cognitive or cultural elements. I think any such definition would be purely arbitrary, though.

Animals do treat other individual animals differently... so there are definitely different kinds of relationships. A cat or dog does not treat every other cat or dog exactly the same way. My two cats cuddle with each other but hiss at outsiders, to take a completely commonplace example.

Sometimes, in some species, animals form lifelong attachments to an individual that are associated with mating behavior. I don't know why you wouldn't call that romance.

Personally, I think human "romantic" behavior is a lot more biological and rooted in our status as a species of animals than most people like to admit.

Not saying you're WRONG, but you treat as obvious something that I think (and that animal ethologists think) is a really complicated question.

Zokugai

25th Nov 2011, 02:11 AM

I think they meant pet SIMS don't have romantic relationships.

Srikandi

25th Nov 2011, 04:19 AM

Well, there is one "romantic" option, and that is "try for puppies/kittens/foals" ;)

So, in the Sim sense, they DO, even if it's rather simple!

Tiinii

25th Nov 2011, 11:10 AM

(Celebriton's post) Isn't it funny how we are all supposed to be real modern and tolerant and whatnot, and everytime, EVERY time, a subject like gay relationships or the likes pops up in the forum, there's bound to be some discussion on it in real life? I mean seriously, it makes me sick sometimes. Can't we just all finally accept the fact that it's not up to YOU to decide the kind of life your neighbour wants to lead? Well, unless his idea of a life consists in piling corpses in his cellar at least ...

Phew, after I got that off my chest: I don't know about romance in animals, but I do second that they have more than just "pragmatic" relationships. They can be friends and enemies, at least cats, birds and rabbits can (which is about all the animals I've had so far). When my tomcat still went outside for example (can't let him anymore now since we've moved), he used to meet up with his pal, another tomcat, and you could watch the two of them chilling together in a hidden spot somewhere - close, but not too close, and really enjoying each other's company. Also, many animals groom each other to show affection. My little rabbit even tried to groom me (disorderly person I am!) by licking my hands which was very cute (though rather useless ;-)).

Lance

25th Nov 2011, 12:23 PM

Isn't it funny how we are all supposed to be real modern and tolerant and whatnot, and everytime, EVERY time, a subject like gay relationships or the likes pops up in the forum, there's bound to be some discussion on it in real life? I mean seriously, it makes me sick sometimes.So, how exactly do you propose to discuss gay relationships without mentioning real life gay relationships?

eskie227

25th Nov 2011, 12:46 PM

Well, it turns out that "mated" animals are regarded by EA as a "romantic' relationship. My horse woohooed with my adopted unicorn once, and got the mate link. I thought, just as many here, that it didn't really indicate any romantic bond. However, when my horse ran into GooGoo Marshall (I think), and offered to try for foal at the horse park, the sim owner/parent (not sure what the real relationship between sim and animal really is), became upset.

Afterwards, in every sim conversation the option to "feel sorry for Star" (the unicorn) came up. Now, they never actually tried for a foal (routing error?), but somehow, the mere attempt prompted a jealous reaction and sympathy for the "wronged" unicorn. The unicorn didn't seem upset, and they're relationship bars didn't take a hit, but my sim (who has about 8 active relationships going on right now herself) took offense, which, given her own history, hardly seems warranted.