Gaming Spotlight: Best Queer and Queer-Adjacent Titles

When it comes to gaming and the queer community, there hasn't traditionally been a lot of overlap. Before 2000, gaming was considered highly niche and just beyond the mainstream. There weren't many, if any, intersections with the LGBTQ world.

But that doesn't mean that queer gamers haven't been around for a while. For example, Starcraft II is one of the world's longest-running eSports. Before gaming went mainstream, Starcraft competitions were some of the biggest events in the gaming world.

Players like Nick de Cesare (IMLastShadow) have since retired and come out as gay, highlighting the fact that there are millions of gay gamers out there... we just might not know who they are. The same is true in other gaming sectors like poker. This storied American card game remains hugely popular both online and via events like WSOP.

Around the world, millions learn the rules of Texas Hold'em through online play–with the hopes of going pro, of course. That's what happened with Jason Somerville, an active member of the LGBTQ community who came out in 2012. Since then, he's been a visible representation for queer players hoping to go pro.

But if you're looking to enter the gaming world and want to stick to queer themes and content, then you have plenty of options. Starcraft and poker aside, there are dozens of unique titles on the market geared specifically toward the LGBTQ community–and they're casual and easy to play. Here's where to start.

Life Is Strange: True Colors

This narrative adventure game follows the story of Alex Chen, a bisexual woman on the hunt for her brother's killer. The story focuses strongly on the criminal mystery at play, but Chen's identity is a core part of the story. Players must make decisions for Chen as she embarks on her journey, letting them step into her shoes as each chapter unfolds.

Dream Daddy

If Dream Daddy has somehow flown under your radar, you might want to start your gay gaming journey here. This dating simulation is not quite the gay couple as dads game that you might expect it to be. It actually follows one dedicated dad as he meets and mingles with other hot single papas. It's a choose-your-own-adventure setup, meaning you can start and stop the game whenever you get in the mood to flirt with fictional men.

Desta: The Memories Between

This game has a lot going on–in a good way. The main character returns to their hometown where they're worried about reintegrating with old friends and a big dodgeball tournament. It also involves dreams, roster-building, and questions about identity. If you like a little metaphysical take on your games and stories, you'll love Desta.

VA-11 Hall-A

This game involves living as Jill, a server in a cyberpunk world. The game follows her day-to-day as she converses with various patrons. Their stories link together, which you'll follow closely as new characters roll in. Most of the cast is queer, adding plenty of intrigue for members of the LBTQ community. But that's not the core element at play here–there's also a unique narrative that takes shape slowly as the game unfolds.

Night in the Woods

This irreverent and cheeky game is great for those who like mystery, cute animations, and a cast of sexually liberated characters. This game takes a more holistic focus on queerness–which is part of an overarching narrative that focuses on strange things happening in a small town. Like most other titles on this list, you can choose your own adventure, letting you have a casual romp whenever the mood strikes.

If Found...

If you like retro vibes and a seriously moody feel in your content, then If Found... is for you. It's got a coming-of-age vibe with a unique setting in Ireland back in 1993. Players will slowly help recover the main character's memories as they look through her diary, drawing and erasing images with each new chapter. Plus, the game includes plenty of hand-drawn animations, which are engaging and unique. If traditional video games really aren't your thing, you might appreciate that unique design element.