Pixel Pride: 10 LGBTQIA+ video games to play – RTE.ie

Video games provide a much-needed outlet for us all – to make friends, uncover breath-taking stories – and for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, to see us represented on the small screen.

Every day, more and more inclusive games are being developed. Some of the most successful and critically acclaimed titles to date are fronted by queer characters. These games transcend genre, make us challenge stereotypes, and ultimately – are darn good fun!

Here is a small selection of queer games that can help you celebrate Pride this year.

THE SIMS

Ever since its debut back in 2000 (yes, we are all that old now), The Sims has been at the forefront of inclusive gaming. For many in the LGBTQI+ community, it was our first opportunity to see ourselves (or characters like us) on the small screen.

And while the staple of the game hasn’t changed much over the years – create Sims, take them from rags to riches, the game is still evolving, and pushing boundaries. A recent update, for example, allows players to set non-binary pronouns to their Sims.

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UNPACKING

With its unique gameplay and storytelling techniques, Unpacking has become a classic in the zen puzzle genre. The game sees you gradually unpack the life of a woman, taking out all possessions and piecing together who she is throughout the game.

This includes some beautiful and sincere queer representation that is subtle but wholesome, and still tugs on the heartstrings of many gaymers today.

THE LAST OF US

Heralded as one of the best series ever made, The Last of Us series offers a masterclass in post-Apocalyptic survival, self-preservation, and loveable characters.

Leading lady Ellie is one part of the formula which makes Last of Us so iconic. And whilst she’s nifty with a bow, knife, and shotgun, it’s the fact Ellie is one of few lesbian protagonists that’s cemented her in gaming history.

Her relationships with Riley and Dina throughout the series show just how multifaceted same-sex relationships can be on screen.

And with the Last of Us remake scheduled for September, and a Netflix adaptation already in production, no doubt Ellie’s influence will continue to be felt across genres and around the world.

LEGENDS OF LEGENDS

As one of the most played games around the world, it’s no surprise that League of Legends reflects its diverse fanbase. This is shown through the game’s many spin-offs, game mods, and extensive lore.

From Caitlyn and Vi’s teased romance in the Netflix series Arcane to the ‘are they/aren’t they?’ bromance of Graves and Twisted Fate, to Diana & Leona, and the heart-breaking origins of Varus – there are many LGBTQI+ influences on the characters we all love.

The card spin-off, Legends of Runeterra, highlights several other queer characters sprinkled through the game universes. These include the Noxian War Veteran, the Crimsons Disciple, and trans character Tyari the Traveller.

HADES

With countless awards and an avid fanbase, Hades is a roguelike dungeon crawler like no other. The story follows Zagreus, the son of Hades, who fancies a life outside of the Underworld. To do this, he must survive everything his father throws at him…and more.

Throughout the game, Zagreus can explore his bisexuality, which was a common element in many Greek myths, by romancing some rather iconic historical characters.

LIFE IS STRANGE

The Life is Strange series has some of the most memorable characters in gaming. Not to mention, of course, innovative gameplay like rewinding time and manipulating emotions.

And while many fans have drawn their conclusion about the relationship between Max and Chloe in the first game, the most recent title Life is Strange: True Colors, makes Alex Chen officially bisexual. Altogether, the stories throughout this series are captivating, the gameplay imaginative, and the potential representation you’ll draw all-encompassing.

OVERWATCH

Overwatch‘s Tracer has been at forefront of LGBTQI+ representation ever since she graced the game’s cover. From the offset, she’s had several voice lines, comic strips, and in-game sprays dedicated to her and her girlfriend Emily.

As it turns out, she isn’t the only queer character on the superhero team. Leader of Overwatch Jack Morrison, otherwise known as Soldier 76, was revealed to be gay in a short story entitled Bastet, where he and colleague Ana discuss Jack’s former partner Vincent.

With the highly anticipated Overwatch 2 set for release in October, who knows if even more queer superheroes will appear on the roster.

IF FOUND…

Made by Irish studio dreamfeel, If Found… is an interactive visual novel about searching for connection and being true to yourself.

It follows the story of Kasio, a young transgender woman who returns home to rural Achill Island, from Dublin. Innovative storytelling techniques like art styles fluctuating help convey the strained emotions Kasio feels through the game. Players are also asked to literally erase scenes on screen, offering an incredibly immersive experience to the game’s heart-breaking and heart-warming motifs.

GONE HOME

Originally released back in 2013, Gone Home is a first-person exploration game. You play as Katie, who on returning home from overseas, finds her family home empty. Room by room and piece by piece, she examines recent events of the family and finds out what’s happened since she left.

Gone Home is still critically praised to this day for its artistic nature and redefining what a video game can be. And whilst I won’t spoil the plot, it’s equally celebrated for addressing a variety of queer issues in a deep, impactful way.

STARDEW VALLEY

Stardew Valley is one of the most relaxing RPGs you can play – period. And it’s become somewhat of a cult classic in the LGBTQIA+ community.

It’s an open-ended country-life RPG that sees you transform an old farm into something wonderful. Grow livestock, mine, forage, and sell produce – it’s the very definition of cozy gaming. But one of its staple mechanics is socializing with the locals, where you can romance and marry NPCs irrespective of gender.