Is a virtual partner in a video game cheating? UAE residents weigh in

A video-game relationship mechanic has opened an unexpectedly personal debate in the UAE: can playing a romance in a virtual world amount to cheating in real life?

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I am glad the discussion is happening because it gives people an opportunity to understand different points of view instead of treating the subject as something to laugh about.

Rockstar Games has said players will be able to influence the relationship between Grand Theft Auto VI protagonists Jason and Lucia. They may strengthen the bond by spending time together, exchanging messages and taking part in activities across the game’s open world. Online videos warning women that their partners could effectively “cheat” through the game have attracted millions of views.

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If it is an AI-controlled character, I would not consider it cheating. It is still part of a fictional story.

Dubai-based gamer Abdelhadi H said the discussion was useful, even though he did not regard the mechanic as infidelity. “I am glad the discussion is happening because it gives people an opportunity to understand different points of view instead of treating the subject as something to laugh about,” he said. For him, the key distinction is whether the character is fictional or controlled by a real person. “If it is an AI-controlled character, I would not consider it cheating. It is still part of a fictional story,” he said. “But if a real person is controlling the character and you are interacting with them romantically, even in a virtual world, that crosses a line.”

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It is part of the story and you are controlling both characters. You are not personally entering a relationship with either of them.

Another UAE-based gamer, Mohamed AM, also rejected the idea that developing Jason and Lucia’s relationship was cheating. “It is part of the story and you are controlling both characters,” he said. “You are not personally entering a relationship with either of them.” Amira Q, whose husband plays games, disagreed. She said she would not be comfortable with him regularly “playing house” in a virtual world while their real relationship and responsibilities remained outside the game. Her concern extended beyond romantic feelings to the time, attention and memories attached to the character. “People try to draw a line by saying there are no feelings involved, but it still takes part of their attention and consideration,” she said. “They spend time creating memories and associating certain experiences with that character. The question is how much of that remains inside the game.”

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People try to draw a line by saying there are no feelings involved, but it still takes part of their attention and consideration.