The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) released its first analysis and report on representation and statistics in the video game industry. The State of LGBTQ Inclusion in Video Games found that many gamers identify as LGBTQ, but representation is low, and online harassment remains a problem.
The full report can be found in the link above, and downloaded as a pdf.
The study was conducted via Nielsen surveys in Summer 2023, reaching 1,452 active gamers.
The data reveals that 17% of reported gamers are LGBTQ, and LGBTQ gamers make up 19% of the hardcore gaming audience, defined as playing over 10 hours per week. That’s a big jump from the 10% of self-identified LGBTQ gamers in the Nielson study from 2020.
When filtering games by LGBTQ tags, games with explicitly LGBTQ content make up only 2% of available games. Nearly one-third (29%) of all gamers wish there were more prominent LGBTQ storylines in games, particularly among younger gamers.
To quote the study: “That less than 2% of available games have LGBTQ content is out of step with contemporary media, and the game industry is failing LGBTQ consumers and our allies.”
Just over half (52%) of LGTBQ gamers reported experiencing harassment while playing online, which is honestly lower than I expected. But 42% of LGBTQ gamers have avoided playing a certain game because of harassment, and a quarter have had to quit altogether.
“Particularly for LGBTQ gamers, gaming is not only an escape and source of entertainment, but also an important outlet of self-expression,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD. “It is past time for LGBTQ gamers to see our community represented in games that they play and to be safe while they connect with other gamers and express themselves. This report presents a clear business case for the industry to take action and address the needs of a rapidly growing portion of gamers. The message is clear: gamers want more inclusive LGBTQ representation in their games and the industry must become more inclusive.”
