It’s June, which means it’s officially Pride Month—a month to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. Over the years, video games have become a significant medium for celebrating Pride and representing LGBTQIA+ characters and stories. If you’re looking for some games to enjoy over Pride Month, this list is for you!
Gone Home
If you love storytelling through exploration, Gone Home is a game you’ll likely fall in love with! Gone Home is a first-person game where you play as Katie Greenbriar, a 21-year-old who returns home after spending time abroad. Upon her return in the summer of 1995, she finds the house empty and notes from her sister, Samantha.
What makes Gone Home an LGBTQ+ favourite is Samantha’s developing relationship with her school friend, Lonnie. Their story unfolds as the player explores the house and finds Sam’s belongings. Despite the game's dark and suspenseful environment, there is no combat or difficult puzzles, making it a pure investigation experience with the freedom to explore at your own pace.
If getting lost exploring and piecing together Sam and Lonnie’s story sounds interesting to you, Gone Home is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and iOS.
Life is Strange
Prepare yourself for the world of Life is Strange, as it has a lot to offer! This episodic series first appeared in 2015, which follows 18-year-old Max Caulfield who returns to her hometown of Arcadia Bay after five years. Max reunites with her childhood best friend, Chloe, and together they try to solve the mystery of Chloe’s missing friend, Rachel Amber. This choice-based game allows players to control the story's path and dialogue, changing some of the plot and relationships with each playthrough.
Life is Strange became popular among the LGBTQIA+ community due to its inclusive characters and storylines, with some outcomes revealing Max and Chloe as part of the LGBTQ community. The series continues with three more instalments, each nodding to LGBTQIA+ representation.
The first instalment of Life is Strange is available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch and iOS with the first episode free to download! When the game is complete, you can continue the adventure with Life is Strange: Before The Storm, Life is Strange 2 and Life is Strange: True Colors.
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Tell Me Why
From the same developers as Life is Strange, Tell Me Why is a three-episode series set in Alaska. It follows the story of Tyler Ronan, a transgender man who reunites with his twin sister after spending ten years in juvenile detention. Tyler transitioned during his time in detention, and his release marks his first time exploring the world since transitioning. The story focuses on the death of their mother and the twin's quest to uncover the truth about that night.
Tell Me Why respectfully portrays Tyler’s transition without deadnaming or misgendering him at any point in the story, offering a compelling narrative with many twists that will keep you hooked.
Tell Me Why is available on PC and Xbox and will be free to download throughout Pride Month!
Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator
If you’re looking for a lighthearted visual novel with humour, Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is perfect. This dating simulator follows a single father ready to re-enter the dating scene. Your character moves to a cul-de-sac where most of the neighbours are also single dads. The player can romance up to seven different characters, each with different styles, interests and backstories.
The game balances serious and comedic scenes and has been praised for its representation of LGBTQ people, avoiding “gay stereotypes” and offering an inclusive experience. With plenty of options to explore, Dream Daddy will keep you entertained through multiple playthroughs!
If this is a visual novel you want to get lost in, Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator is available on PC, PlayStation, Switch and iOS!
If Found...
This is an entry on the list that will hit closest to home because If Found… is set in Achill, Ireland!
If Found… is a visual novel with a unique storytelling approach. As you progress through the game by erasing journal entries, uncovering the story piece by piece. The game follows Kasio, a transgender woman who returns to Achill after studying in Dublin. The game dives into her friendships, family conflicts, and the numerous challenges she faces in her life.
The game stands out with its distinctive gameplay mechanics and stunning hand-drawn artwork. The beautifully crafted visuals enhance the storytelling and make the game a poignant and memorable experience.
If you want to experience a story which is told by erasing the past, If Found… is available on PC, iOS and Switch.
