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    GLAAD Gaming

    We work with the video game industry to provide consulting, education, and resources that make LGBTQ characters more authentic.

    GLAAD Gaming, part of the GLAAD Media Institute, works to create authentic LGBTQ representation in gaming, more LGBTQ-inclusive workplaces for video game companies, and better player experiences for LGBTQ gamers.

    We educate and consult with video game studios and publishers of all sizes to help them achieve authentic LGBTQ characters and storylines in games of all genres.

    We know that authentic LGBTQ representation creates a better experience for LGBTQ gamers – and is a good business decision too.

    Educational Workshops

    It's dangerous to go alone! Take this. The Legend of Zelda
    Nintendo

    We provide a range of educational workshop sessions for video game studios of all sizes, covering topics relevant to both the workplace and to the LGBTQ representation in the games studios are creating. We utilize insights gathered from the LGBTQ gaming community, our industry relationships, our research reports, and our own experience as LGBTQ players to equip studios with the latest knowledge about the LGBTQ community.

    Video Game Development Consulting

    Question Block Artwork - Super Mario 3D World
    Nintendo

    Our team specializes in consulting, helping developers create authentic LGBTQ characters and stories in video games of all types and genres.

    We consult on a wide range of game aspects and features including characters, story and plotlines, worldbuilding, UI, feature design, environmental storytelling, and more. Whether the game is a story-heavy single player title, or a competitive multiplayer title without a linear plot, we work with studios to provide the advice their team needs.

    Inquiries for Game Development Consulting or Educational Workshops

    Want to work with the GLAAD Gaming team, or have questions about our consulting and workshops?

    Consulting Highlight: Catalyst, Apex Legends (Respawn Entertainment)

    Catalyst - Apex Legends
    Catalyst (Apex Legends)
    Catalyst - Apex Legends
    Catalyst (Apex Legends)

    Electronic Arts and Respawn Entertainment consulted with GLAAD Gaming on Catalyst, the title’s first trans woman character, introduced as a Season 15 Legend for Apex Legends. The Respawn team’s drive to create a thoroughly authentic character meant that GLAAD Gaming gave feedback on nearly all elements of Catalyst, resulting in a character who stands out to developers and players as one of the best examples of LGBTQ representation to currently exist in gaming.

    Consulted On:

    • Narrative: Backstory, dialogue, voice actor, VO recording and mastering process.
    • Art: Concept art, character model, promotional art.
    • Marketing: Cinematic trailer ideation and script, release communications plan, media training for talent, pre- and post-release bug fixes.

    Consulting Highlight: Create-A-Sim/Pronouns Update, The Sims 4 (Maxis)

    Sims 4
    Sims 4
    Sims 4 – Custom Pronouns
    Sims 4 – Custom Pronouns

    Over the last decade, GLAAD has worked with Electronic Arts on several updates to The Sims 4 to expand its LGBTQ inclusivity in terms of both characters and systems. GLAAD has helped guide the addition of a greater range of gender customization options (2016), customizable character pronouns (2021), and sexual orientation options (2022) in the game’s Create-a-Sim tool. These new features have empowered players to craft a wider range of characters and stories that accurately reflect their own lived experiences.

    Consulted On:

    • Systems: Overall systems design related to gender identity, pronouns, and sexual orientation, for both character creation and gameplay.
    • UI/UX: Menu layout and custom fields, description copy for Create-a-Sim.
    • Art: Character and world assets themed around LGBTQ Pride.

    Consulting Highlight: Tyler Ronan, Tell Me Why (DON’T NOD/Xbox Game Studios)

    Tell Me Why
    Tell Me Why
    Tell Me Why
    Tell Me Why

    Xbox Game Studios and DON’T NOD consulted with GLAAD Gaming on Tell Me Why from the earliest stages of the project through to release. GLAAD Gaming worked alongside the game’s development team for over two years to help bring Tyler Ronan to life. By collaborating on story, dialogue, character design, and voice casting, GLAAD and the game’s creators worked to ensure that Tyler was a compelling, multi-dimensional character, and his story avoided the harmful transgender stereotypes and tropes of the past.

    Consulted On:

    • Narrative: Major plot arc, character backstory, dialogue, voice actor, VO recording
    • Art: Concept art, character model, environmental design
    • Marketing: Pre-release FAQ about the trans content in the game, release communications plan, media training for Xbox executives and talent, post-release media junket and promotion.

    2024 GLAAD Gaming Report

    GLAAD Gaming Report 2024

    GLAAD Gaming: The State of LGBTQ Inclusion in Video Games is a 2024 research report that assesses the landscape of LGBTQ representation within video games and the gaming community. The findings reveal that while a substantial portion of gamers identify as LGBTQ, the games themselves do not adequately reflect this reality. The report also examines the purchasing and playing habits of gamers in relation to LGBTQ representation, demonstrating that inclusion is a net positive for the bottom line. Finally, we highlight how video games can be a positive force for LGBTQ gamers, particularly those who experience a lack of acceptance in their everyday lives. The GLAAD Gaming report seeks to educate the gaming industry on the overall state of LGBTQ representation, present a data-driven business case for LGBTQ inclusion, and provide a roadmap for a healthier gaming community through increased visibility and acceptance.

    Annual GLAAD Media Awards: Outstanding Video Game

    We select games with outstanding LGBTQ representation for our annual GLAAD Media Awards, providing a vetted list of popular and hard-to-find titles that LGBTQ players can enjoy.

    Developers can submit their game for consideration on the GLAAD Media Awards page, with submissions open from approximately September to November of each year.

    Accelerate Acceptance

    Your gift allows us to work with the video game industry to help create authentic LGBTQ characters in gaming in order to provide a better experience for LGBTQ gamers and accelerate acceptance for LGBTQ people.