Gaming has grown into a much more inclusive space in the past few years. From the inclusion of LGBTQ+ protagonists and romances, to having great games with characters of colour, it's refreshing to have all different types of people represented. However, even with things like the internet, it can be hard to search up just what are the best games to play if you were looking for a fun one to enjoy this Pride Month.
This is especially true because you want to make sure the games you play have good representation, rather than something insulting or lacklustre. Well, don't worry, that's where we have you covered. Here are just a few great games for you to delve into and enjoy this Pride Month.
8 Tell Me Why
Tell Me Why is a groundbreaking episodic narrative game from the creators of Life is Strange. Working closely with GLAAD, the story explores two young adults, Tyler and Alyson, who navigate their lives after reuniting for the first time since the death of their mother.
Tyler is one of the protagonists and is a trans man whose identity affects a lot of the story and his relationship with his family and the townspeople. Tyler is a compelling character and a rare instance of a game studio caring to do the research to create a great story with a trans lead.
7 Fallout 2
It may sound odd, but you have to remember that Fallout has a pretty substantial LGBTQ+ community following. However, what a lot of people don't know is that Fallout 2 is actually the first game ever to feature same-sex marriage all the way back in 1998.
In the game, you can encounter siblings Miria and Davin, who you can romance and even marry regardless of your player character's gender. It may be over 20 years old, but it might be time to play this forward-thinking classic.
6 Life Is Strange: Before The Storm
You may be wondering why focus on Life is Strange: Before The Storm, when two sequels and even a free DLC have launched since. Well, it's because Life is Strange: Before The Storm tells the story of Chloe and Rachel's relationship. It's not just an option you can choose, but the main crux of the narrative.
Our protagonist this time around is Chloe, a lesbian. Having a lesbian pursue a sapphic relationship is the type of representation we need to see more of in gaming and in media. The story can flit from dark to some of the most heartwarming moments in the series, but it is truly something that folks should try out.
5 Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
Although the game has been out for a while now, Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is still a fun and refreshing visual novel. The protagonist is a father who moves into a new neighbourhood with their daughter Amanda. It's there that they meet all sorts of different single dads in the neighbourhood who they can interact with and romance.
The game can be hilarious but still have its sombre moments without taking itself too seriously. It's also great for featuring a cast who are older than most, representing a demographic of gay men who do not get represented in media that often.
4 Hades
Come on, are you really surprised a game about Greek mythology wouldn't also be the type of game to be featured during Pride Month? Hades is an isometric dungeon crawler where you play as Zagreus, the son of Hades who is trying to escape the underworld, even if it kills him again and again and again.
The game excels at its writing, featuring a slew of interesting characters, some of whom are LGBT, such as Megara, one of the Furies, or even our favourite tragic character Achilles. From brilliant boss fights to incredibly good music and just a heartwarming story, Hades is a game you should definitely play if you haven't already.
3 Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley has to be one of the most comforting games in existence. You play as a humble farmer who moves to Stardew Valley to inherit your grandfather's farm. It's in Pelican Town that you meet a cast of characters, many of whom you can romance regardless of your gender.
The quiet and relaxing farm game will have you watering crops one minute, fishing the next and then taking a trip to the caverns to fight some monsters. The seamless inclusion of LGBTQ+ relationships is also very nice and adds to the wholesome aesthetic.
2 The Sims 4
Although The Sims 4 has had its fair share of problems, the game has come a long way since its launch with a whole host of expansion packs, stuff packs, custom content and more. The game has continued to showcase LGBTQ+ romances in both its advertising and in the game, letting Sims romance one another regardless of gender.
However, EA have also updated the game to include things like binders, top surgery scars, pronouns, and even letting Sims wear whatever you want regardless of gender. It's a nice way of acknowledging all manners of people in the LGBTQ+ community and being able to create whatever kind of Sim you want without any limitations.
1 Lake
Lake is a small indie game following Meredith Weiss, returning to her hometown to temporarily work as a mail courier to cover for her father whilst her parents are on vacation. She sees old friends, meets new people and relives memories in the town and gets the chance to romance two of the townsfolk.
One of them is Angie, a film nerd who runs a small VHS store in the town. She asks Meredith for help with her business and pursuing her story can get you on a sweet date. It's a cosy and interesting game that is definitely worth it for any story lovers out there.