Gaming has always been a platform for storytelling, imagination, and connection. However, in recent years, the industry has made significant strides toward inclusivity and representation, recognizing the importance of portraying diverse identities and experiences. LGBTQ+ characters have become an integral part of this movement, adding depth, relatability, and authenticity to the narratives we love.
So, whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community seeking relatable characters or an ally eager to experience diverse storytelling, join us as we highlight the best LGBTQ+ games.
Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 faced controversy but made strides in LGBTQ+ representation through Judy Alvarez, a fully fleshed-out lesbian character. The game treats Judy’s story and relationships with respect, and players can engage in immersive interactions, including romance. While criticized in some areas, Judy’s inclusion marks progress in LGBTQ+ representation, emphasizing the importance of well-developed characters in gaming’s inclusivity journey.
Dragon Age Inquisition
Thrilling combat, a captivating overall story, and relatable characters — are the tenets of an excellent RPG. BioWare’s Dragon Age Inquisition has some fascinating same-sex relationships on top of all of that. For example, we learned the ins and outs of Iron Bull’s personality, background, and charm. What mainly stood out about him was how his hard exterior crumbled to a soft mesh at delicate moments.
As the relationship moved forward, there was more depth to the relationship than just casual sex. That is one of the many meaningful queer dynamics within BioWare’s catalog of titles over the years. But despite what most Dragon Age fans may believe, the franchise isn’t all about romance.
In their 2014 entry, BioWare also included a trans character among their ranks — Cremisius Aclassi, or Krem. If players react negatively to Krem revealing he is trans, companions jump in to defend him. This completely missable interaction further reinstates BioWare’s support for the community and cements DA as one of the best LGBTQ+ game franchises.
Gone Home
In this beloved indie by The Fullbright Company, you play as a woman exploring an abandoned house looking for her mysterious sister Sam. As you pick up letters and other clues, you’ll discover the story behind your character, Sam’s familial relationship, and Sam’s personal history. At first, it feels suspenseful, but as you play through Gone Home, it takes on a somewhat nostalgic tone. The writing is excellent and handles its representation with finesse — you have to be into walking experiences to get into this.
Life is Strange
Max and Chloe, one of the most notable couples in gaming, came to be in Dontnod Entertainment’s riveting Life is Strange first entry. This relationship over five episodes flows in a natural way as they work through their issues, and you truly understand how much they care for each other. Dontnod’s strides to represent the LGBTQ+ community only continued to grow in Life is Strange’s second and third entries, where main characters such as Sean and Alex would be free to date either characters of their same sex or the opposite one. LiS isn’t one of the best LGBTQ+ games for simply putting LBGTQ+ characters out there but for the care taken to develop them as individuals and explore their connections with their environment and potential partners in a heartfelt manner.
Tell Me Why
Tell Me Why, from DONTNOD Entertainment, is lauded as a top game for LGBTQ+ representation. With Tyler Ronan as the transgender protagonist, it delivers an authentic and heartfelt story. Tyler’s journey of self-discovery, family dynamics, and the challenges of being transgender is sensitively portrayed, fostering player empathy. Themes of acceptance, identity, and family dynamics are explored with depth. It is a powerful testament to the significance of inclusive storytelling and LGBTQ+ representation in gaming.
The Last of Us series
Naughty Dog included multiple LGBTQ+ characters in the narrative of The Last of Us, undeniably making it one of the best LGBTQ+ games. Ellie is a strong lesbian character in a multi-million-selling franchise; it’s probably one of, if not the most successful series in Sony’s arsenal. The Left Behind DLC for the first game told an emotionally gripping narrative about Ellie showing her love towards her crush Riley that will leave you in tears. And then, in The Last of Us Part 2, we saw a natural bond between Ellie and her love interest Dina that grew as the game moved along. Part 2 also features a young trans man named Lev, who is brimming with personality but is burdened with a society that hates him due to his identity. Part 2 covered heavy topics, and Naughty Dog handled them appropriately, especially by casting a trans actor for Lev, Ian Alexander.
The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds shines with LGBTQ+ representation through Parvati Holcomb, an authentic and significant lesbian character. Engage in meaningful conversations, explore her experiences, and shape your character’s orientation in this inclusive game. With compelling gameplay and thought-provoking storytelling, The Outer Worlds breaks barriers, highlights diverse themes, and creates a more inclusive gaming landscape.
