Current:Home > NewsMore gamers are LGBTQ, but video game industry lags in representation, GLAAD report finds-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
More gamers are LGBTQ, but video game industry lags in representation, GLAAD report finds
View Date:2024-12-24 00:07:38
The first-ever report on LGBTQ inclusion in video games, by GLAAD, a nonprofit LGBTQ advocacy organization, helps tear down the stereotypes of who gamers are and what they look like.
About 17% of active gamers — nearly 1 in 5 — are LGBTQ, according to a report by GLAAD, a non-profit LGBTQ advocacy organization, which conducted the survey in partnership with Nielsen Games. That is "a 70% increase from the 10% counted in Nielsen’s 2020 report."
There is an even higher percentage of LGBTQ gamers among younger age groups, with "23 to 28% of gamers under 35 identifying as LGBTQ," the report said.
And they are dedicating quite a bit of time to their video games, according to the survey, with the "majority (69%) of LGBTQ gamers playing 4-plus hours per week on PCs or consoles, compared to 64% of non-LGBTQ gamers."
But the games don't exactly reflect the LGBTQ community that is playing them and appears to be lagging behind other media when it comes to inclusivity and representation.
Nintendo Switch:8 cozy games to check out on Nintendo Switch, from 'Palia' to 'No Man's Sky'
What players want to see in video games
GLAAD counted the games tagged as having LGBTQ content and notes that, as of November 2023, "these games account for less than 2% of Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo’s total digital libraries. For Steam, it is less than 2.5%, but drops to just 1.7% when adult-only games are excluded."
The GLAAD study also found that LGBTQ gamers were more likely to play on Nintendo's Switch consoles, but that the Nintendo Switch eShop, by their count, "has the lowest percentage of available games that contain LGBTQ characters or storylines."
It's not clear why there is such a lack of inclusion when LGBTQ gamers make up a critical part of the gaming audience, but the GLAAD report offers these possible reasons why in a statement: "Some reasons for exclusion are passive. Often, game companies have not considered that they should represent LGBTQ people, nor do they see us as a major part of the core gaming audience. Some reasons for exclusion are active. Companies worry about pushing away a core audience that they assume are resistant or hostile to LGBTQ content."
But seeing characters that have their identity or orientation can have a big positive impact on LGBTQ gamers, in particular younger players, while having little negative impact on non-LGBTQ gamers.
A need for inclusion:Issa Rae says Hollywood needs to be accountable. Here's why diverse shows are so important
Harmful stereotypes in games, however, affect both groups. According to the study, "70% of LGBTQ gamers and 46% of non-LGBTQ gamers are less likely to buy or play a game if it contains harmful tropes or stereotypes about the LGBTQ community. Notably, 51% of heavy/core gamers are less likely to buy or play such a game."
The GLAAD report offers recommendations for the video game industry, suggesting that:
- the percentage of games with LGBTQ representation should be proportional to the numbers of gamers who are LGBTQ
- developers should strive for representation that promotes inclusivity and acceptance
- the industry should take responsibility for making gaming communities more inclusive
- companies should consult LGBTQ media content experts
- there should be more hiring of LGBTQ game industry workers in positions of authority
veryGood! (6584)
Related
- Minnesota county to pay $3.4M to end lawsuit over detainee’s death
- The best Taylor Swift lyrics, era by era, to soundtrack your romantic Valentine's Day
- Kentucky attorney general files lawsuit alleging Kroger pharmacies contributed to the opioid crisis
- 14 Movies, TV Shows and More to Indulge in If You Are Anti-Valentine's Day
- Caitlin Clark shanks tee shot, nearly hits fans at LPGA's The Annika pro-am
- 'Choco Taco' resurrected through Taco Bell, Salt & Straw partnership, brands reveal
- IHOP giving away free pancakes for its National Pancake Day deal: Here's what to know
- Horoscopes Today, February 13, 2024
- She was found dead while hitchhiking in 1974. An arrest has finally been made.
- Kentucky attorney general files lawsuit alleging Kroger pharmacies contributed to the opioid crisis
Ranking
- Democrat George Whitesides wins election to US House, beating incumbent Mike Garcia
- Bob Edwards, longtime NPR 'Morning Edition' host, dies at 76: 'A trusted voice'
- 'The Dynasty' Apple TV docuseries goes behind scenes of New England Patriots' six Super Bowls
- Blake Lively Responds to Ryan Reynolds Trolling Her About Super Bowl 2024 BFF Outing
- Caitlin Clark's gold Nike golf shoes turn heads at The Annika LPGA pro-am
- Daytona Speedweeks: What to know about the races and events leading up to 2024 Daytona 500
- Plush wars? Squishmallows toy maker and Build-A-Bear sue each other over ‘copycat’ accusations
- Uber, Lyft and DoorDash drivers set to walk off the job on Valentine's Day
Recommendation
-
Full House's John Stamos Shares Message to Costar Dave Coulier Amid Cancer Battle
-
Disneyland’s Mickey Mouse and Cinderella performers may unionize
-
Biden's campaign gives in and joins TikTok. Blame the youngs
-
Channing Tatum Steps Out for Rare Red Carpet Appearance With Daughter Everly
-
Man accused of killing American tourist in Budapest, putting her body in suitcase: Police
-
10 Things I Hate About You Actor Andrew Keegan Responds to Claims He Ran a Cult
-
Chiefs' offseason to-do list in free agency, NFL draft: Chris Jones' contract looms large
-
Angela Chao, CEO of Foremost Group and Mitch McConnell's sister-in-law, dies in car accident