LGBTQ media advocacy group GLAAD has launched its first annual report on LGBTQ illustration in video video games, discovering that the video games trade is lagging in comparison with the common gamer’s opinions on illustration.
In a research carried out with companion Nielsen Gaming, GLAAD polled players to learn the way many recognized as LGBTQ, in addition to asking their opinions on illustration. The survey revealed that round one in 5, or 17% of energetic players are a part of the LGBTQ group. This is a rise of 70% on a Nielsen Gaming report from 2020, which reported 10% of players have been LGBTQ.
Regardless of the rising numbers of LGBTQ players, solely 2% of video games embrace LGBTQ characters. “It’s time to transfer previous the concept LGBTQ-inclusive video games are a separate, area of interest class,” GLAAD affiliate director of gaming, Blair Durkee stated on the findings. “All video games ought to try to replicate the individuals who play them. And when 1 in 5 players are LGBTQ, any sport with 5 or extra characters has no excuse for missing LGBTQ inclusion.”
The report additionally revealed that 7 out of 10 non-LGBTQ players would both be extra inclined to purchase a sport with an LGBTQ fundamental character, or that it could not affect their determination to purchase. LGBTQ players are much more more likely to be positively influenced, with 3 out of 4 LGBTQ respondents saying that seeing a personality in a sport who matches their id makes them really feel higher about themselves.
“This report presents a transparent enterprise case for the trade to take motion and tackle the wants of a quickly rising portion of players,” stated GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “The message is obvious: players need extra inclusive LGBTQ illustration of their video games and the trade should turn out to be extra inclusive.”
The report additionally touches on among the real-life points dealing with LGBTQ folks in the US, with particular questions fo queer players in states which have not too long ago handed anti-LGBTQ laws. Plenty of respondents indicated that they felt extra accepted in gaming communities than of their native communities or that video video games helped them get by robust instances. 75% of respondents in these states stated they use gaming as an outlet to precise themselves in methods they can not in actual life.
In addition to illustration, the GLAAD report identifies security as one other situation for LGBTQ players, with 52% reporting being harassed in on-line video games, and 42% reporting that they had prevented taking part in a sport for worry of harassment.
“For manufacturers seeking to interact LGBTQ players, making a protected and inclusive setting should lengthen past the sport itself,” added Nielsen senior vice chairman Stacie deArmas on the toping of security. “Almost 70% of respondents are much less possible to purchase from studios with a historical past of mistreating LGBTQ staff.”
You possibly can learn the complete report from GLAAD right here.
Since 2019, GLAAD has offered an award for LBGTQ illustration in AAA video games as a part of the GLAAD Media Awards. Earlier winners embrace The Final Of Us Half 2, Apex Legends, and The Outer Worlds.