Video games have come a long way in terms of graphics, storylines, representation and all that jazz.

But when it comes to things like depicting human intimacy in a way that’s both realistic and not cringe-worthy as hell, then games are still taking baby steps, if not falling flat on their face.

Luckily, noted game developer Naughty Dog are out here showing us how lovey-dovey scenes are done properly.

They recently released the official gameplay trailer for The Last of Us II – the sequel to the critically acclaimed 2013 game – at the Sony E3 Expo 2018, and people are raving about a cut-scene showing protagonist Ellie kissing another female character, reports The Verge.

Take a look at the romantic moment in this video (start round about the 2:30 mark):

Looks legit, does it not? This makes Ryan Reynolds and Conan O’Brien’s make-out session look amateurish in comparison.

As The Verge points out, the animation successfully manages to capture an intimate moment that would look wooden AF in other games and make players feel awkward (especially if they’re playing with their mates).

And it all comes down to the details:

See the way characters look at each other, the way their eyes shine when their gaze falls on a certain person; it’s almost as if there’s a real human being there, not just pixels.

And then, when Ellie and the other woman kiss, look at the way Ellie’s lips pucker hesitantly and then lock with the other woman, how their necks crane and shift as the kiss unfolds …

These subtle details are easy to miss precisely because they are so natural; they look the way people are supposed to look in our most awkward and intimate moments — something we aren’t accustomed to seeing in games, but one that creates an instant connection to the character.

Great analysis you got there, chaps.

Oh, and the gameplay looks nice, too.

[source:verge]