# LGBTQ+ Gaming Developers are creating games that represent LGBTQ+ communities and stories. By [Colin Smith](https://www.trendhunter.com/Colin96), Senior Insights Analyst | Published Sep 8, 2022 | Category: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/pop-culture-and-internet-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/lgbtq-gaming ## Key Figures - Trend score: 2.1/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## 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. ## 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. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Feb 2 to Jun 10, 2022 - Published: Sep 8, 2022 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Themes within the LGBTQ+ Gaming trend ### 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. ### 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. ### 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. ## What the LGBTQ+ Gaming trend means for industry ### For 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 for LGBTQ+ Gaming Trend score 2.1 out of 10, from popularity 30%, activity 20%, freshness 13%. - Popularity: 30% - Activity: 20% - Freshness: 13% ## Examples of the LGBTQ+ Gaming trend 6 featured examples from Feb 2 to Jun 10, 2022. - [Drag Culture Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drag-her-video-game): The 'Drag Her!' Video Game Merges Mortal Combat and Drag Race (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry has the opportunity to tap into the market of LGBTQ+ gamers and create more inclusive and diverse gaming experiences. - [Pride Month Game Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tell-me-why): Dontnod Entertainment Made 'Tell Me Why' Free for Pride Month (Category: Tech) Implication: 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… - [Diverse Video Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fortnite-1): Maria "Chica" Lopez is Set to Hit the 'Fortnite' Item Shop (Category: Tech) Implication: 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… - [Inclusive Game Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sims-4): 'The Sims 4' Adds a Customizable Pronouns Feature to the Game (Category: Social Good) Implication: Gaming companies can embrace inclusive game development to promote representation and inclusion, and positively impact player engagement. - [Inclusive Video Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dead-by-daylight): Behaviour Interactive Teases 2SLGBTQ+ 'Dead by Daylight' Character (Category: Tech) Implication: 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. - [Pride Month Gaming Bundles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/queer-games-bundle): Itch.io Launched the 'Queer Games Bundle' to Support its Creators (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry can partner with indie developers and online platforms that support marginalized creators to diversify their offerings and promote inclusivity. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Pop Culture - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Makeup Artist Jewelry Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pandora-x-pat-mcgrath) - [Influencer-Curated Cafe Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kit-keenan) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture)