Advocacy group GLAAD recently conducted a comprehensive study on LGBTQ+ representation in video games. The report found that less than 2% of titles on popular gaming platforms, such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, feature LGBTQ+ content. This article dives into the findings of GLAAD’s study and highlights the importance of representation in the gaming industry.
The Numbers
GLAAD analyzed every title available on the PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and Steam stores, and the results were underwhelming. On Steam, the percentage of games with LGBTQ+ content stood at 2.5%. However, when adult-only games with sexual content were excluded, this number dropped to just 1.7%. Similarly, PlayStation had 90 games with LGBTQ+ content, while Xbox had 146, and the Nintendo Switch eShop listed 50 games with the LGBT tag.
A Limited Viewpoint
GLAAD chose to focus on public-facing storefronts that are commonly used by the mainstream gaming public, such as PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo. While this approach provides an accurate picture of LGBTQ+ representation within these platforms, it does not take into account alternate platforms that may have a larger array of LGBTQ+ stories.
The study also shed light on the demographics of video game players. Around 17% of surveyed players identified as LGBTQ+, showing that the community is a significant part of the gaming population. Surprisingly, LGBTQ+ players enjoyed games for the same duration and engaged with them in a similar manner as their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. This highlights the need for more inclusive representation.
The Impact of Representation
GLAAD’s survey revealed that 72% of LGBTQ+ gamers felt that meaningful representation in games had a transformative effect on their well-being, leading to increased happiness. This starkly contrasts with the overall lack of LGBTQ+ characters in video games. The disparity suggests a disconnect between the desire for representation and its actual presence in the industry.
GLAAD has called for a range of changes within the gaming industry to address the lack of LGBTQ+ representation. The organization is urging developers to include more diverse characters in their games and to adopt more diverse hiring practices. By promoting acceptance and inclusivity, the gaming culture could become less toxic and more welcoming to all players. GLAAD’s report also emphasizes the importance of having LGBTQ+ representation in leadership roles, as this can lead to improvements in working conditions and player experiences.
GLAAD’s report highlights the need for more LGBTQ+ representation in video games. The study revealed that currently, less than 2% of games on major platforms feature LGBTQ+ content. However, research shows that meaningful representation can have a transformative effect on the well-being of LGBTQ+ gamers. To create change, the gaming industry must prioritize diversity, inclusivity, and representation in its games and workforce. By doing so, developers can tap into a larger market and create games that truly resonate with a wide range of players.
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