Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
LGBTQ+
Gaming
Developers are creating games that represent LGBTQ+ communities and stories.
2.1
Trend score
Trend
What is the LGBTQ+ Gaming trend?
LGBTQ+ Gaming: Game developers are addressing the issue of inadequate LGBTQ+ representation in gaming. These communities often feel unrepresented by games that center around straight, cisgender characters. Development studios are addressing this blindspot by promoting LGBTQ+ characters and stories in video games.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the LGBTQ+ Gaming trend
Representation is key in the media as all consumers, from teens to adults, look for themselves in content that they consume. In gaming, members of the LGBQT+ community often feel unrepresented, turning to small-budget independent games that tell their stories. This has placed pressure on more prominent, mainstream game creators to incorporate more diverse stories, characters, and identities into video games. These titles also strive to educate gamers on LGBTQ+ issues.
Trend themes
Themes within the LGBTQ+ Gaming trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
LGBTQ+ Representation in Video Games
Game developers are addressing the issue of inadequate LGBTQ+ representation in gaming through promoting diverse stories, characters, and identities in video games.
02
Customizing Game Features to Promote Inclusivity
Game developers are offering customizable game features, such as adding a customizable pronoun feature, to promote inclusivity within their games.
03
Pride Month Promotions in Gaming
Game developers and platforms are celebrating Pride Month by offering free games and discounted bundles, and by donating to non-profits that support LGBTQ+ rights.
Industry implications
What the LGBTQ+ Gaming trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Video Game Development
Video game developers can incorporate more LGBTQ+ representation and customizable game features to promote inclusivity and appeal to a wider audience.
For
Digital Content Platform
Digital content platforms can showcase and support LGBTQ+ creators by offering promotions and bundles that celebrate Pride Month and support non-profits that promote LGBTQ+ rights.
For
Non-Profit and Advocacy Organizations
Non-profit and advocacy organizations can collaborate with game developers and digital content platforms to promote inclusivity in gaming and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and rights through video games.
Workshop question
How does your brand ensure diversity and equality in its services or products?
Trend signals
Trend signals for LGBTQ+ Gaming
Trend score 2.1 out of 10, from popularity 30%, activity 20%, freshness 13%.
Popularity30%
Activity20%
Freshness13%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Evidence
Examples of the LGBTQ+ Gaming trend
6 featured examples from Feb 2 to Jun 10, 2022CategoryTech
Drag Culture Video Games
The 'Drag Her!' Video Game Merges Mortal Combat and Drag Race
The gaming industry has the opportunity to tap into the market of LGBTQ+ gamers and create more inclusive and diverse gaming experiences.
CategoryTech
Pride Month Game Promotions
Dontnod Entertainment Made 'Tell Me Why' Free for Pride Month
Video game developers and publishers can promote cultural change by disrupting traditional masculine and heteronormative themes in games, in favor of more inclusive and diverse st…
CategoryTech
Diverse Video Game Characters
Maria "Chica" Lopez is Set to Hit the 'Fortnite' Item Shop
Video game developers can capitalize on the trend of diverse representations and exclusive in-game content by regularly collaborating with influencers, celebrities, and rising tal…
CategorySocial Good
Inclusive Game Features
'The Sims 4' Adds a Customizable Pronouns Feature to the Game
Gaming companies can embrace inclusive game development to promote representation and inclusion, and positively impact player engagement.
CategoryTech
Inclusive Video Game Characters
Behaviour Interactive Teases 2SLGBTQ+ 'Dead by Daylight' Character
There is an opportunity for video game developers to create inclusive content that represents diverse backgrounds and identities and appeals to a wide range of players.
CategoryTech
Pride Month Gaming Bundles
Itch.io Launched the 'Queer Games Bundle' to Support its Creators
The gaming industry can partner with indie developers and online platforms that support marginalized creators to diversify their offerings and promote inclusivity.
