Video games are an excellent method to let your personality shine through. They allow players to direct the character’s lives and let them go on journeys that aren’t possible with any other media such as creating a brand new city to winning the prize of the final boss. They’re a work of art and are to be treated accordingly. It’s important that the developers incorporate in their games characters that are representative of a variety of different people and perspectives. This includes people of all races, LGBTQIA, people with disabilities, etc.
Games with character creation and romance
Gaming companies have made huge progress in the direction of inclusion. Companies like Bethesda and Ubisoft have taken creative and business risks by slowly introducing LGBT characters into their games. The characters such as Tracer Soldier:76, Tracer and more have been added to the popular multiplayer shooter Overwatch. This has shown that the risks are paying off. The inclusion of these characters has helped players feel that the game has more depth and is more likable.
Anime games with character creation and romance
It’s not only big budget games that are starting to feature LGBTQ characters. Smaller independent developers are also pushing the boundaries in the direction of inclusion. Games like Dream Daddy, a dad dating sim that was released in 2017 has been praised for the inclusion of both male and female characters that do not have to be restricted by gender-specific boundaries. Other independent titles such as Fire Emblem, which has many LGBTQ characters who are not identified by their sexuality, have been lauded for its inclusion of characters from diverse backgrounds.
Mobile games where you can customize your character
Mass Effect, released in 2007, was one of the key milestones of LGBTQ inclusion in video games. The game introduced an enormous world of diverse species and allowed players to form relationships with characters irrespective of gender. It was a huge leap for the gaming industry and set the standard for future games to follow.
Recent games, such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey include LGBTQ characters who aren’t defined by sexual orientation. Xenia is the bisexual pirate, is a flamboyant and lively pirate. She doesn’t show any signs of resistance. Her inclusion was a welcome contrast to the typical depictions of LGBTQ in video games.
Similar to that it is the case with the forthcoming BioWare game Dragon Age: Inquisition includes the option to romance V, who is transgender and non-binary. It’s a purely optional choice, but BioWare has made it a priority to make their games inclusive.
These games prove that LGBTQ inclusion isn’t just possible, but extremely desirable. They help normalize LGBTQ relations, and help to eradicate bigotry and hatred. It’s up to the players to pick games that include LGBTQ characters that reflect their own interests and values. We encourage faculty and students members to participate in these games as well as to search for games that are more inclusive.