Which Games Provide Safe Spaces for LGBTQ+ Gamers

We’re no stranger to the idea that video games are providing safe spaces to LGBTQ+ gamers across the globe.

This month, in celebration of Pride, we’re sharing a collection of stories, resources and game suggestions that LGBTQ+ gamers hold close to their hearts. It’s important to continue to highlight the power of representation and a sense of belonging.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the games the mean the most to our wonderful contributors for #SIOWPride!

Community Picks: Games

“Calico, as far as wholesomeness and inclusivity goes, this game has everything. LGBTQIA+ representation is very present in this amazing game about simply owning an animal cafe and helping the residents around you.” – Addi

FFXI – “Gaming was a solace in my mid 20s when I didn’t feel I fit in anywhere and could play an MMORPG with people halfway around the world. It didn’t matter where we were from, we supported each other and uplifted, even if we could only communicate through the game.” – celestinakitty

“Escape Simulator” holds great personal significance for me. As a two-player puzzle co-op, it arrived during the tail end of lockdown, bringing joy and mental well-being in an otherwise lonely period. It especially brought me closer to family, bridging the distance between me and my sibling – where we could no longer puzzle together, Escape Simulator let us do so digitally!” – MairiSpaceship

“Coffee Talk has had an impact on my life due its comforting story and diversity of cast. From race to sexual representation, the game lets you explore all of these character’s backstories and learn about them. With a calming track and lovable characters, it helped me get through some tough times and to relax and sit back and drink a cup of coffee.” – GrayCatCafe

“A recent game which has been wonderful for my mental health is Unpacking. It’s a delightful, beautiful and emotive game mixing puzzle elements with cosy game sorting mechanics and contextual heartfelt storytelling. I hadn’t expected it to be as moving as it was, having been drawn to the pastel coloured pixel art and object sorting aspects of the game. It’s a joy to play and I would recommend it to any fans of the cosy genre.” – TristaBytes

“As someone suffering from bad PTSD, a lot of games about the topic are unplayable for me due to the fear of triggers and worsening mental health. Rainbow Billy is a lighthearted puzzle game about recovering color of the world after a traumatic event. It shows people react to trauma differently in their own way, and sometimes it means you will never go back to who you were; but that is ok and valid.” – Monica

“I had a hard time choosing between several games, and I think Disco Elysium must be one of those games that just completely represented me in an emotional & psychological way. It was all about one’s identity, and how to navigate with all the contradicting feelings one can have. I relate to that! There’s also a whole theme around Harry not being able to recognize its own body and face, that spoke to me too.” – Élise in the Clouds

“Stardew Valley is a favourite of mine, it is such a complex world and allows you to romance both the women and men of the town no matter what character you begin with. I’m queer myself and the game helped me in the simplest way solidify that gender doesn’t really matter to me when dating as I’m too anxious of a person to date anyone right now.” – Emily

“The Outer Worlds – This might seem an odd choice, but bear with me. It’s one of the few games where there are both LGBT and neurodiverse characters and it’s treated as absolutely normal. No attention is drawn to it, it’s just a story. Parvati and Junlei are so beautiful together.” – Mike

“Many games shy away from exploring mental health outside of depression, but one of the few that doesn’t is Hellblade Senua’s Sacrifice. You play as the character Senua as she relives trauma through the lens of severe psychosis. It’s not only a stunning and beautiful game but it provides a rare perspective that has helped me learn and grow!” – Gabriel Eriksson Sahlin

“Definitely Yakuza 0! The game deals with some heavy topics like loss, which is something that resonates with me a lot. The humour of the series, as well as it’s LGBTQ+ rep in sidequests is something that means a lot to me. ” – Adele Richards, Social Media Coordinator at Sumo Group Ltd.