Videogames have had a strange and volatile relationship with gender, from the lack of playable female characters, through to the use of a female character on box art, to the dark days of GamerGate.
Even more complex are the discussions over representations of sexuality within games.
Thanks to the recent success of the Last of Us 2, the representation of non-heterosexual characters within videogames has once again, been part of mainstream discussion across the industry.
But where are we with regard to really representing the whole spectrum of society within games? Are things changing? Is progress being made?
Our friends at Queer Code Scotland are offering you the chance to find out.
Evil Army: Queer Representation in Games
On Tuesday September 1, from 19:00-21:00, Dan Bernardo, the game director and founder of Playtra Games, will explore the history of queer representation within videogames, its evolution and how current events are reshaping the view and attitudes of straight gamers and game developers towards LGBTQ+ and queer characters.
The event will take place online via Zoom. It’s free to sign up, but space is limited, so registration is required.
Queer Code Scotland emphasises that everyone is welcome to attend:
We are committed to providing a friendly, safe and welcoming environment for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, body size, technical choices, level of technical knowledge, ability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, religion (or lack thereof) and other personal conditions and choices. Anyone is welcome here, the only thing we ask is that you adhere to our code of conduct. https://queer-code.org/coc
Details of the Zoom meeting will be sent once you’ve registered.
You can sign up to Evil Army: Queer Representation in Games here.
If you’re interested in this event, you may also be interested getting involved in the Rainbow Game Jam 2020.
You should also check out the excellent work being done by the Raise The Game initiative, which is a pledge for game developers to proactively support diversity and inclusion, in their games as well as their studios (the SGN is a proud member…)
