The Lack of LGBTQ+ Representation in Video Games

The advocacy group GLAAD recently published its first-ever report on LGBTQ+ representation in video games. The report revealed that less than 2% of titles on popular gaming platforms such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo feature LGBTQ+ content. Another popular gaming platform, Steam, had a slightly higher percentage of 2.5%, but this dropped to 1.7% when excluding adult-only games with sexual content. GLAAD conducted an analysis of every title available in these stores and found that only a handful of games included LGBTQ+ content.

According to the report, Microsoft stated that there were 146 console games available in the Xbox store with LGBTQ+ content, while PlayStation maintained a list of 90 games. The Nintendo Switch eShop listed 50 games with the tag LGBT, and Steam had 2,302 games available in English with LGBTQ+ content. However, when games with “adult only sexual content” were filtered out, the number dropped to 1,506. These numbers represent a small fraction of the total games available on these platforms.

GLAAD chose to focus on public-facing storefronts that are commonly used by the mainstream gaming public to provide a more accurate viewpoint. While there are alternate platforms that may house a larger array of LGBTQ+ stories, the report aimed to address the representation within the most widely known gaming platforms.

GLAAD’s analysis also shed light on the demographics of LGBTQ+ gamers. They discovered that around 17% of the surveyed players identified as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Surprisingly, LGBTQ+ players enjoyed games for a similar length of time as non-LGBTQ+ players and engaged with games in a comparable manner. This finding contradicts the lack of personal representation in the world of video games and the potential transformative effect that representation can have.

The Impact of Meaningful Representation

Within the survey, GLAAD highlighted that 72% of LGBTQ+ gamers found meaningful representation to have a transformative effect on their well-being, ultimately making them happier. This statistic emphasizes the disconnect between the lack of representation and the desire for more diverse and inclusive gaming experiences.

To address this situation, GLAAD is calling for a range of changes in the modern games industry. They encourage developers to include more representation of diverse characters in their games and promote more diverse hiring practices. By fostering acceptance, the gaming culture can become less toxic, and as GLAAD points out, gamers who feel more accepted and included in games are more likely to spend more on games. Furthermore, GLAAD suggests that increased representation in leadership roles can improve both working conditions and player experiences within the gaming industry.

The GLAAD report highlights the striking lack of LGBTQ+ representation in video games. Despite the significant percentage of LGBTQ+ gamers, the industry falls short in providing meaningful and inclusive content. GLAAD’s call for change urges developers to prioritize representation and diversity, not only as a means of improving player experiences but also as an opportunity for growth and innovation within the gaming industry.