By Vanessa Hague
The issue of LGBTQ representation in any form of media is an issue that is very close to my heart for a variety of personal reasons and, since I have a passionate love for video games, you could say that LGTBQ representation in gaming is doubly as important for me. Not only is it important to me, it is important to countless other people who consider themselves to fall under the LGTBQ umbrella and take up an active part in gaming.
The issue of LGBTQ representation in any form of media is an issue that is very close to my heart for a variety of personal reasons and, since I have a passionate love for video games, you could say that LGTBQ representation in gaming is doubly as important for me. Not only is it important to me, it is important to countless other people who consider themselves to fall under the LGTBQ umbrella and take up an active part in gaming.
LGBTQ representation within gaming is important for a variety of reasons. Gaming, as with any form of media in today’s social setting, has to take a degree of responsibility and reflect changing societal values and beliefs.
As more and more countries are legalising gay marriage, actively discussing trans issues and in general, society is moving closer towards acceptance; it is important that video games follow suit. Offering a host of both straight and LGBTQ characters, both playable and NPC - as it is becoming normalised within society, so too should it start to become commonplace in gaming. As gaming continuously tries to paint itself as a serious art medium by both game developers and fans alike, it is important that as a whole, the gaming industry tries to move in this direction. Not only does greater LGBTQ representation with games mean that the industry will help to further reinforce the fact that people of non-straight sexualities and various genders are becoming more common place, but more LGBTQ representation means more inclusive games that will appeal to a broader audience. Whilst on paper, more representation of any kind, not just LGTBQ characters (female and more racially diverse characters too, both of which could be topics for their own features) will appeal and draw in new players and a bigger audience, the gaming industry as a whole hasn't really deviated from focusing upon games where a straight white male is the main driving force. However, there are some game developers and games that buck this trend and it’s a shame that more don't follow their examples as it mostly up to the game developers, and their companies, to decide to include more diverse characters as they are, ultimately, responsible for the content of their games.
For instance, Bioware is a game developer that has become known for its inclusivity - with a host of characters with different sexualities, allowing players to choose the sexuality of their player characters and having a host of both homosexual and heterosexual relationships portrayed within their games.
As more and more countries are legalising gay marriage, actively discussing trans issues and in general, society is moving closer towards acceptance; it is important that video games follow suit. Offering a host of both straight and LGBTQ characters, both playable and NPC - as it is becoming normalised within society, so too should it start to become commonplace in gaming. As gaming continuously tries to paint itself as a serious art medium by both game developers and fans alike, it is important that as a whole, the gaming industry tries to move in this direction. Not only does greater LGBTQ representation with games mean that the industry will help to further reinforce the fact that people of non-straight sexualities and various genders are becoming more common place, but more LGBTQ representation means more inclusive games that will appeal to a broader audience. Whilst on paper, more representation of any kind, not just LGTBQ characters (female and more racially diverse characters too, both of which could be topics for their own features) will appeal and draw in new players and a bigger audience, the gaming industry as a whole hasn't really deviated from focusing upon games where a straight white male is the main driving force. However, there are some game developers and games that buck this trend and it’s a shame that more don't follow their examples as it mostly up to the game developers, and their companies, to decide to include more diverse characters as they are, ultimately, responsible for the content of their games.
For instance, Bioware is a game developer that has become known for its inclusivity - with a host of characters with different sexualities, allowing players to choose the sexuality of their player characters and having a host of both homosexual and heterosexual relationships portrayed within their games.
They included gay characters in Mass Effect 3 as well as giving the choice to players to make their Shepard’s pursue a same-sex relationship. In Dragon Age 2, Bioware made all the love interests bisexual and in Mass Effect 3 they changed an assumed straight character (because they never stated he was straight at any time) and made him bisexual. Bioware have made a lot of different choices and even changes when it comes to LGBTQ representation within their games. This is indicative of the nature of what this type of process holds for a game developer, it involves a lot of trial and error - a lot of learning and developing and improving upon past choices. This is what Bioware do well. They listen to feedback of their fans, and will either change their approach accordingly, or they defend their choices when necessary.
Probably the best example would be when David Gaider, the lead writer of Dragon Age 2, reacted to a particular fan's criticism of the same sex relationship dynamics within the game. The fan in question wasn't happy that a male NPC could make advances on his male player-character without prior instigation and felt that too much had been done to cater to minorities instead of the straight male gamer. It’s important that game developers are willing to take the time to interact with their fans and find out what they want in terms of representation like Bioware have, instead of making assumptions. When it comes to making new characters, whether it is for a new IP or a sequel to an established franchise, a development team can't be afraid of losing that one demographic when there are more out there waiting to be attracted. They have to be ready to make the choices to be more inclusive and include more LGBTQ characters and be ready to defend their choices, even if it's as simple as saying "Hey, why not?"
For too long game developers have been trying to attract the same demographic of players, the white male player in between the ages of their early teens to their late thirties. Since many developers and companies are making games that largely cater to this demographic, characters within gaming largely reflect the audience that play them - the white male; and since we still live in a largely hetero-normative society, the characters are straight more often than they are not.
Probably the best example would be when David Gaider, the lead writer of Dragon Age 2, reacted to a particular fan's criticism of the same sex relationship dynamics within the game. The fan in question wasn't happy that a male NPC could make advances on his male player-character without prior instigation and felt that too much had been done to cater to minorities instead of the straight male gamer. It’s important that game developers are willing to take the time to interact with their fans and find out what they want in terms of representation like Bioware have, instead of making assumptions. When it comes to making new characters, whether it is for a new IP or a sequel to an established franchise, a development team can't be afraid of losing that one demographic when there are more out there waiting to be attracted. They have to be ready to make the choices to be more inclusive and include more LGBTQ characters and be ready to defend their choices, even if it's as simple as saying "Hey, why not?"
For too long game developers have been trying to attract the same demographic of players, the white male player in between the ages of their early teens to their late thirties. Since many developers and companies are making games that largely cater to this demographic, characters within gaming largely reflect the audience that play them - the white male; and since we still live in a largely hetero-normative society, the characters are straight more often than they are not.
However, thanks to recent surveys, we know that the demographics are changing. Almost half of players nowadays are women and whilst it doesn’t show the percentages of non-straight players, I'd imagine that they too take up a significant percentage. To constantly think that one demographic largely plays games and is the only demographic worth catering to, is an extremely damaging point of view and limits development and player creativity. Inclusivity isn't constrictive, if anything, being more inclusive will allow for a greater wealth of games to be made and open up new themes, stories and characters to explore. Increased representation, not just LGBTQ representation, could open up a whole different world and attract new gamers and take gaming in new directions. This is why having better representation of various different sexualities (and genders and races) is important, as it creates a better environment for everyone involved.
To end, here is a list of my top 5 (in no particular order) LGBTQ characters in gaming:
To end, here is a list of my top 5 (in no particular order) LGBTQ characters in gaming:
Kaiden Alenko
Mass Effect 3
Kaidan was made a love interest in Mass Effect 3 not just for a female Shepard but a male Shepard as well, meaning with the third game Kaidan was canonically made bisexual.
A tough and loyal soldier who isn't afraid to stand up for what he believes in, his bisexuality is just another facet to his character and the same-sex relationship on offer is one of most touching in the Mass Effect trilogy and is one of my favourites.
A tough and loyal soldier who isn't afraid to stand up for what he believes in, his bisexuality is just another facet to his character and the same-sex relationship on offer is one of most touching in the Mass Effect trilogy and is one of my favourites.
Axton
Borderlands 2
The handsome rouge playable commando was first thought to not entirely be straight when his character would shout suggestive lines when reviving both male and female fallen party members. Initially Gearbox chalked it up to a programming bug, but due to fan reaction, they canonically made him bisexual in the Tiny Tina's Assault on Dragon's Keep DLC (which is well worth a play if you own Borderlands 2 as it's super fun). Whilst characters aren't the main focus in the Borderlands series, Gearbox still manage to make and give characters back-story and be inclusive at the same time - Axton had a wife, is a fearless commando that served in the army and he likes dudes too...
Good on you, Gearbox!
Good on you, Gearbox!
The Boss
Saints Row
With Saints Row the Third and Saints Row IV, this series has probably become one of the most inclusive series of recent years. With the ability to make your Boss through a character creator before you start either game, you can make your character in anyway you see fit - you can use 'female' hairstyles on male characters, you can dress females in male clothes, you can choose from a wealth of voices and these aren't gender locked - you can make a trans character.
And in Saints Row IV, you can make your Boss as gay, straight or bisexual as you choose.
And in Saints Row IV, you can make your Boss as gay, straight or bisexual as you choose.
Anders
Dragon Age 2
Regardless of your views on the whole 'Templar vs Mages' debacle that Anders acts as a perfect personification for, Anders is a fascinating character. He was introduced into the franchise in Awakening and made into a bisexual romance option in Dragon Age 2.
As far as I'm aware, Anders is the only male character that can make advances on a male Hawke without prior instigation - he was the character at the centre of that particular fans' displeasure that I linked to earlier. How dare a male bisexual flirt with male characters like anyone else with a sex drive... how dare they!
As far as I'm aware, Anders is the only male character that can make advances on a male Hawke without prior instigation - he was the character at the centre of that particular fans' displeasure that I linked to earlier. How dare a male bisexual flirt with male characters like anyone else with a sex drive... how dare they!
Ellie
The Last of Us
Whilst her specific sexuality isn't stated, Ellie definitely falls under the LGBTQ umbrella. In the Left Behind DLC that came out for the game back in February, we follow Ellie as she tries to survive and look after Joel when he becomes injured. The DLC hops between past and present as Ellie remembers the last person who she formed such a close bond with before events took a darker turn - a girl named Riley.
They even share a kiss suggesting something deeper to their best friend relationship. The normality of the act and the relationship, coupled with the fact that Ellie and Riley are still comparatively young teenagers, make this and the characters all the more important.
They even share a kiss suggesting something deeper to their best friend relationship. The normality of the act and the relationship, coupled with the fact that Ellie and Riley are still comparatively young teenagers, make this and the characters all the more important.
How do you feel about LGBTQ in gaming?
It's an important issue to us here at IWG and one which we're unified about. But now we're opening the floor to any questions you might have regarding our views.
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We'd love to hear from you.
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