Queer Coded

A BRIEF HISTORY

1989

The first gay video game character is created for the title Caper in the Castro. For almost a decade after this, gay characters were limited to much more niche and indy titles.
1998

The game Fallout 2 allowed characters to marry those of the same sex for the first time in gaming history, and almost two decades before nationwide marriage equality in the U.S.
2004-2008

Two steps forward and one step back could describe this period. Although some games, like The Sims and Fable followed the lead of Fallout 2 in allowing same sex marriages, many games at this time coded their queer characters as villains.
2013

Dragon Age Inquisition is released and introduces multiple queer main characters of different orientations. A huge milestone for AAA games.
2020

The Last of Us 2 made gaming history by introducing it's lead protaginist as openly gay, going as far as sharing an on screen kiss. This game also showcased an openly trans protagonist.

HEROES IN THE INDUSTRY

Danielle Bunten Berry

One of the many pioneering trans women in the gaming industry, Danielle created the game M.U.L.E. which would forever inspire mulitplayer games.

Maddy Thorson

Maddy is a non-binary creator who is championing representation in games today. They created both Towerfall and Celeste, one of which has a transgender main character.

David Gaider

Working as one of the lead developers for Bioware, Gaider has helped create a myriad of progressive representation, including the fan favorite Dorian Pavus.

RECOMMENDATIONS

HADES

An insanely cool roguelike, with a bisexual protagonist.

THE LAST OF US 2

Zombie spore people, lesbian lead, lot's of horror. Start with the first one though.

DRAGON AGE 3

Fantasy, but make it with queer representation. Like, LOADS of representation.

Images collected from Google Images and Unsplash

QUEER CODED

An exploration of the history for LGBTQI representation in gaming, it's pioneers, and the future we hope to see.

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A BRIEF HISTORY

1989

1998

2004-2008

2013

2020