ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the potential narrative functions that sex scenes can fulfill. After touching on considerations in terms of sex scene pacing in the larger story, it outlines four main functions that sex scenes should try to fill: to establish characterization, to develop a relationship, to advance the plot, or to establish a mood or theme. It also discusses the role of titillation and argues that, while important and worthwhile, it is not enough reason alone to have a sex scene, suggesting instead that titillation should enhance or complement a larger story or gameplay theme. The chapter ends with more questions asking readers to identify the roles sex scenes play in existing games and in their own projects.
