While there are no plans for dating mechanics, the friendships you make in the game will be a central design pillar; and as you grow closer to these ponies, you will learn about their motivations, backstories, and eventually secrets.
... okay, so not going to replace Dark Skyes. got it. I was afraid of that. This still looks good, but it also means I'm still at the drawing board fixing the hole dark skies left myself XP
Thanks for the reply (btw this is in my steam wishlist already XD)