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 typical gamer’s opinions on illustration.
In a examine performed with associate Nielsen Gaming, GLAAD polled players to learn how 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 neighborhood. 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 embody LGBTQ characters. “It’s time to transfer previous the concept that 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 essential character, or that it will not affect their resolution to purchase. LGBTQ players are much more prone to be positively influenced, with 3 out of 4 LGBTQ respondents saying that seeing a personality in a sport who matches their identification 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 into extra inclusive.”
The report additionally touches on among the real-life points going through LGBTQ folks in the USA, with particular questions fo queer players in states which have lately 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 powerful occasions. 75% of respondents in these states stated they use gaming as an outlet to precise themselves in methods they cannot in actual life.
In addition to illustration, the GLAAD report identifies security as one other problem for LGBTQ players, with 52% reporting being harassed in on-line video games, and 42% reporting they’d prevented enjoying a sport for worry of harassment.
“For manufacturers seeking to have interaction LGBTQ players, making a secure and inclusive surroundings should prolong 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’ll be able to 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 embody The Final Of Us Half 2, Apex Legends, and The Outer Worlds.
