Each one of these titles feature LGBTQIA+ characters and stories and range from AAA titles to some more obscure indie titles. Most of all, these games shine the spotlight on marginalised voices and we are happy to bring them to you today.
Cyberpunk 2077
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Not only isCyberpunk 2077one of my favourite games of all time but it is an AAA title that does not shy away from the spectrum of sexuality.
From fierce lesbian Judy Alvarez to transgender bartender/mechanic Claire, this game does not shy away from characters who are proud of who they are.
Not to mention, our main character V can have both masculine or feminine frames as well as genitalia and pronouns of their choice.
CD Projekt Red
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Baldur’s Gate 3
UnlikeCyberpunk 2077, Baldur’s Gate 3is another AAA title but one that does not assign any labels to its supporting cast.
Players can choose between a male, female or non-binary/other identity, select from a variety of masculine and feminine voices and choose which genitalia they want.
However, they are free to romance any of the main characters regardless of their gender. No sexualities are mentioned and some characters are even open to polyamory.
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The Last of Us Part 2
Although it is pretty common for RPGs to allow players the choice in the characters they create, single-player stories are already predetermined for us. We have no say in the gender or sexuality of the main character so this is whyThe Last of Us Part 2stands out in the genre.
TLOU 2is told from the perspective of 19-year old Ellie who is a lesbian and even has an established relationship with a bisexual girl named Dina. We see them fall in love in such a bleak world and although homophobia still seems to exist in this post-apocalyptic world, Ellie is still proud of who she is.
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To this day, having a lesbian be the main character in such a major title is still worth celebrating and is hopefully something that will be more common in the future.
Wylde Flowers
Although we all know thatStardew Valleyallows you to romance whoever you want, regardless of gender, it is also worth checking out fellow farming sim,Wylde Flowers.
PictureStardewbut with an emotional story attached and you will haveWylde Flowers.Additionally, the magical “cozy life and farming sim” has multiple LGBTQIA+ characters outside of the main character, Tara.
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Set in a world where preferred pronouns are common courtesy and where you can even arrange a gay wedding, this wholesome simulator is not one to miss out on.
Studio Drydock
Hades
Where would this list be if it didn’t mentionHades,or more recently,Hades 2?
The roguelike action RPG tells the story of all the Greek gods, nymphs and monsters and much like the original texts, they are all gay as hell.
Our main character, Zagreus is not only able to enter into a relationship with members of both sex but can also enter a polycule. We also take part in a side quest to reunite the long lost lovers, Patroclus and Achilles and everybody flirts with everybody. What more could you want?
The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood
This witchy visual novel slipped under the radar back in 2023 despite the fact that its cast of incredible women are very queer.
They recently discuss their relationships and love of women and there is even a transgender character who, despite not having started their transition yet, is still fully accepted into the coven as a woman with no questions asked. Just as it should be.
This story of women and women who love women is not one to let slip under the radar again.
Signalis
When it was first released, many went into this survival horror title expecting a fun yet scary time and nothing more.
However, it was quickly revealed that yes, this is a horror game but it is also the story of two women who love each other so much that they are willing to risk everything to find each other again.
There is no big announcement or reveal but simply a story tinged with desperation as our main character races to find her partner after a horrific event.Signaliswas a true way to present a sapphic love story in the guise of a horror title.
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Thirsty Suitors
Released last year,Thirsty Suitorstells the story of Jala, a twenty-something year old who returns home after a breakup.
Now forced to confront all of her exes, we soon discover that Jala is queer as hell. It is never stated what her sexuality is but her exes consist of cis and trans folk covering all genders and the game never shies away from this fact.
With the chance to flirt with them all and maybe give them a second chance, this story-driven title with RPG battles has something for everyone.
Life is Strange
This is another title that you can expect to see on every video game Pride list this month and for good reason.
Consisting of five main titles, the series is full to the brim with LGBTQIA+ characters and relationships which are explored in a beautiful narrative-driven story.
From Max and Chloe inLife is Strange,Chloe and Rachel inLife is Strange: Before the Stormand Alex and Steph inLife is Strange: True Colours,there are multiple sapphic relationships which will hurt your heart but also make you smile.
There are also bisexual, pansexual and queer side characters with the series featuring around 11 characters who fall under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
Celeste
Celestemay seem like your simple platformer but when you delve deeper, you will discover that its main character Madeline, a young woman who is battling with anxiety and depression, is also transgender.
This was not confirmed back when the game was first released in 2018 but fans soon noticed Madeline sporting a trans flag on her desk which inevitably led to a lot of questions being directed at the developers.
Then in 2020, developers Maddy Makes Games finally confirmed that yes, “of course” Madeline is transgender and that was that. Since then,Celestehas remained an important game for transgender fans.
Maddy Makes Gamess
Desta: The Memories Between
This character driven rogue-like tells the story of Desta, a non-binary adult who returns to their small town and must confront their former love interests, friends and mother, the latter of which they have a difficult relationship with.
Also, there are a lot of dodgeball matches. What more could you want?
One Night, Hot Springs
This wholesome little visual novel follows Haru, a 19-year old transgender woman living in Japan.
However, with her goal being to spend all of her time at the hot springs with her friend Manami, she is afraid of causing trouble.
This is because, due to Japan’s strict gender restrictions at hot springs and with Haru still being legally male, she must face the various obstacles she encounters.
One Night, Hot Springis a free, short game with 7 unique endings that show the difficulties transgender women can face in Japan and the anxieties and worries that come with it.
I Was a Teenage Exocolonist
Released in 2022 and one you may have heard of courtesy of it being known as “the blue hair and pronoun game” for a while, this RPG isthegame to play if you are looking for characters who represent every gender and sexuality there is.
From Nomi-Nomi who is demisexual, Tangent who is aromantic and transgender and many more,I Was a Teenage Exocolonistis unapologetically queer.
It explores puberty, dating and gender identity. Our main character Sol can pick their pronouns, physical appearance and reproductive anatomy.
This indie title will make its audience feel seen and is definitely one to revisit this Pride month.
Northway Games
Butterfly Soup 2
A 2022 visual novel which is all things sports and romance.
Set in 2009, the story follows four gay Asian-American teenagers: Diya, Noelle, Akarsha and Min-seo as they navigate playing baseball and falling in love.
Dealing with their ever-growing feelings and trying to get through high school, this queer coming-of-age story is a short but sweet title to play this June and beyond.
Arcade Spirits
Last but certainly not least, we have a dating sim but one which is perfect for Pride month.
Arcade Spiritsis a 2019 romantic visual novel set in an alternate timeline. Taking place at a game arcade, you will decide who to befriend and who to romance.
The customisable MC can pick from a variety of pronouns and sexualities and will not be locked out of some romantic interactions based on traits.
With NPCs ranging from nonbinary, gay, bisexual and more, you are free to romance who you want. Additionally, you can choose the asexual path if you are not interested yet still want to experience the game.
Topics:Cyberpunk 2077,The Last Of Us Part 2,Baldur’s Gate 3,Life Is Strange,Hades,Xbox,PlayStation,PC,Features
