From shibari to electrostimulation to impact play and more, today’s intrepid sexual explorers are always looking for something new, sexy and fun to try in the bedroom. It’s no surprise, then, that role-play is on many folks’ to-do lists. Playing a character or adopting a different persona can help people shed lingering inhibitions and explore activities they previously only imagined. Lots of folks try on roles like naughty nurse, lusty sailor, sexy French maid or the carpenter who is always ready to nail you — but what about folks who want to be astronauts or aliens, blasting off and boldly going where no one has gone before? Let’s talk about why people enjoy sci-fi role-play, and how you can help customers bring those fantasies to life.
What Is Sci-Fi Role-Play?
You can help your customers explore their sci-fi fantasies by offering different shapes and designs for them to explore, and getting creative with how you describe and display them.
Sci-fi role-play incorporates speculative elements like time travel, space creatures, talking animals and technological advances that don’t exist in real life. Unconstrained by what is possible or realistic, sci-fi role-play can literally take sex to another dimension. It may feature otherworldly creatures or incorporate any twists and turns you care to imagine. There are no limits, so the possibilities are endless and the creative direction can get truly wild! This kind of role-play might include futuristic or otherworldly details inspired by movies, comics, TV, graphic novels and fan fiction, but that’s certainly not required.
Why Are People Into This?
First and foremost, sci-fi role-play appeals to people because it’s fun! It can make sex feel extra-playful and exciting, regardless of whether the people involved identify as kinky or simply as cosplay fans. It lifts away many rules and expectations that are often imposed onto traditional sexual activities. This is why it is popular in both kink and cosplay communities, as well as among members of live-action role-play and gaming communities. Even for those who have no connection to any of those groups, sci-fi role-play can be a fun way to add fantastical elements into their sex lives.
For folks who are turned on by sci-fi stories or creatures, indulging that arousal can offer a chance to discover that their “weird” turn-ons are perfectly acceptable and enjoyable, which can be healing for those who worry that their fantasies and deep desires are somehow “abnormal” or “wrong.”
Sci-fi role-play also offers the opportunity to push back against pervasive and often toxic ideas of what constitutes “real” sex, which is often oversimplified as penis-in-vagina intercourse. Doing so can be incredibly validating for anyone, including queer individuals, whose sex lives may not involve that act and who have been made to feel like their sex lives are “less than” or incomplete.
How Do You Bring Sci-fi Role-Play to Life?
Once again, there are no rules. This is about fun. Many people who enjoy sci-fi role-play get that spark of inspiration and create a whole storyline, characters, roles, costumes and everything they need. Sci-fi role-play just requires a healthy imagination and a bunch of enthusiasm — though some fun props couldn’t hurt. Luckily for today’s shoppers, there are more apparel, sex toy and accessory options than ever to help perfect the scene of their dreams.
For example, shoppers looking for an alien sexual experience can explore intergalactic penetration with creature-inspired or glow-in-the-dark dildos, or even toys with one-of-a-kind shapes that implant “space eggs.” A hollow, harness-compatible dildo shape may come complete with “larva” to plant inside the recipient’s orifice of choice, enabling them to have that full alien “birthing” experience!
You can help your customers explore their sci-fi fantasies by offering different shapes and designs for them to explore, and getting creative with how you describe and display them. Information on the product’s packaging is helpful for sure, but you don’t have to be limited just to what’s on the box. This is a surefire way to keep shoppers coming back to your store when they are ready for a new space adventure.
Helping Customers Live Their Fantasies
How do you help sci-fi role-play-curious customers find exactly what they are looking for? It’s a lot like helping them find the accessories they need for any other kind of sexual play: Start by asking questions. Here are a few examples:
1. Do they know exactly what they are looking for? Like a dildo, butt plug, costume piece or restraints? Or do they have a specific fantasy in mind, but need help finding the right items to make it happen?
2. What size toys are they comfortable with? Alien and monster toys can be larger than your typical toys, and this is especially true for dildos. If a smaller size is essential, don’t hesitate to look for “regular” dildos that come in bright colors, stripes or even glitter. Those count for sci-fi role-play!
3. What else do they need to make their night the best it can be? Accessories? Lube? After all, sci-fi sex play is still sex play, and lube is always a good idea.
Helping your customers figure out the answers to those questions should put them on the right track in terms of having the right toys and accessories to create their ideal sci-fi role-play scenario. Plus, it will build trust and rapport, which is a proven way to inspire a return visit.
Not everyone interested in role-play is looking to explore a galaxy far, far away, but for some, sci-fi role-play might be just the thing to take their sex lives to warp speed. Make your store a safe and welcoming place where shoppers can score the supplies they need to explore the sexy world of sci-fi role-play. They’ll feel comfortable and satisfied with their experience, while you maintain a healthy bottom line.
Rebecca Weinberg is an award-winning industry leader with more than 20 years of experience in the adult industry. She is the president of multi-award-winning pleasure product manufacturer XR Brands.
