27/06/2024 | Writer: Oğulcan Özgenç
GLAAD’s report titled “The State of LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Video Games” was released. According to the findings of the report 52 percent of LGBTQ gamers report experiencing harassment while playing online. And the game industry lags far behind other media industries in terms of quantity of LGBTQ representation.
GLAAD, the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization, announced the findings of its report titled “The State of LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Video Games”, which maps the number, quality and diversity of LGBTI+ characters in video games.
GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis underlined that LGBTQ gamers experience alarming levels of harassment and added: “Particularly for LGBTQ gamers, gaming can not only be an escape and source of entertainment, but also an important outlet of self-expression. This is pronounced and urgent for LGBTQ gamers who live in places around the world where anti-LGBTQ violence is rising or in states where anti-LGBTQ legislation has been introduced.”
17 percent active gamers are defining themselves as LGBTQ+
According to the report, 17 percent active gamers are defining themselves as LGBTQ. This means that 1 out of every 5 active players is LGBTQ+. According to the findings of the report LGBTQ gamers play significantly more on mobile platforms than non-LGBTQ gamers.
Although 17 percent active gamers are LGBTQ+s, games with LGBTQ characters or storylines account for less than 2 percent of all games.
Within the scope of the report it is underlined that being able to play characters that match their gender and/or sexual orientation matters to LGBTQ gamers. 72 percent of LGBTQ gamers say that seeing characters with their gender identity and/or sexual orientation represented well makes them feel better about themselves. And 68 percent of LGBTQ gamers wish there were more prominent LGBTQ storylines in games.
“Games are a vital resource in an increasingly hostile world”
In the report; the importance of playing video games for LGBTQ+s is conveyed with the statements “Games are a vital resource in an increasingly hostile world.”
According to the findings of the report, LGBTQ gamers are 11 percent more likely than non-LGBTQ gamers to use gaming to escape from difficult situations in the real world. 44percent of LGBTQ+ gamers report video games help them cope with the lack of LGBTQ acceptance in the real world, and 50 percent feel more accepted in gaming communities than where they live.
52 percent of LGBTQ gamers report experiencing harassment
Despite the fact that games are a social outlet, LGBTQ+s are subjected to harassment while playing games. 52 percent of LGBTQ gamers report experiencing harassment while playing online, compared to 38 percent of non-LGBTQ gamers.
In addition 42 percent of LGBTQ gamers report that they have avoided playing a game because they thought they would be harassed, and 27 percent have quit a game because of harassment.
Recommendations
The report also includes recommendations regarding the game industry. These recommendations are as follows:
· The percentage of games with LGBTQ representation should be proportional to the share of gamers who are LGBTQ.
· Game developers should strive for representation that promotes inclusivity and acceptance.
· The game industry should take responsibility for making their communities more inclusive.
· The game industry should consult LGBTQ media content experts.
· LGBTQ game industry workers should be hired in positions of authority.
Tags: media, arts and culture, life
