Recent years have shown us that LGBTQIA+ representation in the video game industry is definitely improving but it is indie games that are leading the charge for featuring both queer characters and stories. The past year has been a prime example of this and it seems as though indie developers are continuing to raise the flag for LGBTQIA+ representation.
Before I begin, a brief disclaimer: I’m not saying there are no recent AAA releases with LGBTQIA+ characters or storylines. It was seen recently withBaldur’s Gate 3,Cyberpunk 2077and of course,The Last of Us Part 2which featured a lesbian character at the head of the game.
Baldur’s Gate 3allowed the player’s character to romance whoever they wanted, regardless of gender whereasCyberpunk 2077featured straight, lesbian and gay love interests who would only show an interest in your character based on their gender or genital preferences.
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CD Projekt Red
Additionally,Cyberpunk 2077features a transgender side character whose identity is mentioned only in passing. However, in a futuristic world where you can be whoever you want and have access to body modifications, I wish gender had been explored more in Night City. However, that’s a story for a different day.
However, all of this is perhaps unsurprising considering the AAA sphere is still home to a mainly cishet male audience. We only have to take a look back atStarfieldwhich almost sent one Youtuber into cardiac arrest when he discovered it featured a pronoun picker in the character customisation screen.
Between audience reception and the chance of losing revenue, it’s no wonder bigger game developers aren’t too keen on centering the latest AAA release around a queer character or story. It’s the loss of the publisher, however, given how well games likeThe Last Of Us Part 2andBaldur’s Gate 3performed.
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At the other end of the scale, indie game developers are proudly flying the flag for the LGBTQIA+ community and a quick look back at the last year of releases shows just that.
Crispy Creative
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Stray Godsmusical RPG tells the story of modern-day Greek gods and in between breaking out in song, our female main character has the opportunity to romance one of four side characters, two of whom are women.The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhoodfeatures a cast of incredible and queer women, including a transgender woman pre-transition who is welcomed to the female coven without question.
Summerfall Studios
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The fact that many of its characters are queer is included seamlessly and shows that a person’s sexuality or identity is not the most important thing about them.
Queer characters also appeared in indie games of other genres such as mystery gameThis Bed We Made,dating simEternightsand turn-based RPGThirsty Suitorswhich all released back in fall 2023.
This Bed We Madeis a prime example of exploring the struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community without making it the main focus of the game. The mystery game set in 1950s Canada tasks the player with uncovering the mysteries in the hotel they work. However, with the title set 11 years before Canada’s Bill C-150 which decriminalised same-sex relationships, this topic adds an uneasy undercurrent throughout the game.
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Lowbirth Games
As for 2024, the trend is still continuing with games such asRead Only Memories: NeurodriverandTavern Talkalready making waves for the indie community. Not only that but titlesDustborn, Touchstarved, Pivot of HeartsandHigh Elo Girlsare set to release later on in the year and all tell intriguing stories and also happen to feature characters from all communities under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella.
I hope indie games and their developers continue to break the mould when it comes to representation in the video game community and one day, when we don’t live in a capitalist hellscape, AAA titles might follow suit more regularly. Here’s hoping.
Topics:The Last Of Us Part 2,Cyberpunk 2077,Baldur’s Gate 3,Indie Games,PC,Xbox,PlayStation
