In recent years, the games industry has made significant strides toward fostering diversity and inclusivity. As part of this ongoing effort, companies are actively recognizing and participating in celebratory months like Pride, which takes place throughout June in the United States. At HitBerry Games, we've curated a comprehensive list of initiatives that support, advocate for, and acknowledge LGBTQIA+ developers and consumers.
If your company is hosting a Pride Month activity or celebration that you'd like us to include in this article, please reach out to us at: digitalninja@hitberrygames.com.
HitBerry Games has supported the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the years of its existence. We are happy to be part of the freedom and equality movement, which is also very important inside game development companies.
Microsoft: Pride Month 2023 with GLAAD for LGBTQIA+ storytelling
Xbox Game Studios has revealed a groundbreaking collaboration with GLAAD, signaling their commitment to enhancing LGBTQIA+ representation and narratives within games. This partnership aims to foster inclusive storytelling and promote diversity among Xbox staff members.
Furthermore, Xbox Game Studios has curated a diverse selection of game lists that will be available not only in June but also in the future. Players can explore titles from collections such as transgender and non-binary community games and LGBTQIA+ community games. Additionally, users can anticipate a range of Pride month streams, exclusive content, and more to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community.
Nintendo: LGBTQIA+ game characters
Nintendo, a prominent game console manufacturer, is participating in Pride Month by supporting LGBTQIA+ representation and community initiatives. Although Nintendo's celebration of the Month of Pride has been relatively low-key in the past, the company has made efforts to include LGBTQIA+ characters and storylines in some of its games. Nintendo also encourages players to create inclusive and diverse communities within their games. The company's commitment to fostering positive and welcoming environments aligns with the spirit of Pride Month.
Blizzard Entertainment: embracing LGBTQIA+ representation in Overwatch 2
Blizzard Entertainment is embracing Pride Month by introducing a special celebration in Overwatch 2. Players logging into the game will be rewarded with icons and name cards that honor LGBTQIA+ characters. Additionally, the company has launched a captivating short story featuring its diverse and gender-inclusive heroes.
To further support the LGBTQIA+ community, consumers have the opportunity to purchase Pride-themed merchandise, with proceeds benefiting the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Ubisoft: Rainbow Six Siege and Watch Dogs
Ubisoft, a renowned game developer, and publisher, is showing its commitment to inclusivity during Pride Month. The company has launched Pride-themed events and activities in games such as Rainbow Six Siege and Watch Dogs: Legion, and Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Players can engage in special quests, earn unique rewards, and participate in virtual Pride parades within these games. Ubisoft's celebration reflects its dedication to fostering diversity and acceptance within the gaming community.
Crystal Dynamics: a month-long celebration of LGBTQIA+ representation
Crystal Dynamics has revealed its exciting lineup of events for this year's Pride Month celebration.
As part of their initiatives, the gaming company will conduct a month-long fundraising campaign dedicated to supporting the It Gets Better Project.
On June 28, Crystal Dynamics will host a captivating panel featuring LGBTQIA+ members from various studios. This panel aims to celebrate the remarkable LGBTQIA+ representation in the gaming industry while also providing valuable career guidance for individuals aspiring to enter the field.
Moreover, on June 30, Crystal Dynamics will team up with the talented drag performer and former RuPaul's Drag Race contestant, Rock M. Sakura. Rock M. Sakura will delight audiences with a special charity livestream, with all proceeds benefiting the It Gets Better Project.
Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE): LGBTQIA+ collection
Sony Interactive Entertainment, the company behind PlayStation, is joining the Pride Month festivities by highlighting LGBTQIA+ representation in gaming. SIE has curated a collection of games that feature LGBTQIA+ characters and narratives, encouraging players to explore these diverse stories. The company is also collaborating with LGBTQIA+ content creators to share their experiences and insights through livestreams and interviews. Sony Interactive Entertainment celebrates Pride Month by amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and promoting inclusive gaming experiences.
Riot Games: continuing the celebration in games
Riot Games continues its annual tradition of acknowledging Pride Month in its games. Players can discover a range of new emotes, titles, icons, and beloved content from previous years making a comeback. The company emphasizes that all these Pride-themed features will be available to players completely free of charge.
Sega: Kaleidoscope Trust
Sega, the publisher behind Sonic, has exciting plans for Pride Month. In collaboration with Sega Pride, they will host a charity fundraising event benefiting the Kaleidoscope Trust. Running from June 22 to June 30, the fundraiser will be live-streamed on Sega's official Twitch channel, featuring a lineup of diverse streamers.
The streams will also include members from Kaleidoscope who will provide insights into their work, answer questions, and shed light on the significance of the charity. Sega will actively promote the fundraiser across various social media platforms, raising awareness and encouraging support for this important cause.
Square Enix: LGBTQIA+ game characters and contests
Square Enix, a renowned game developer, and publisher, is embracing Pride Month with a range of activities. The company has introduced Pride-themed updates and events in popular games like Final Fantasy XIV, Marvel's Avengers, and Tomb Raider. Players can enjoy special in-game cosmetics, quests, and celebrations that emphasize LGBTQIA+ representation and diversity. Additionally, Square Enix announced Pride Month 2023 contest on Twitter where people can their LGBTQIA+ merch. Square Enix's unwavering commitment to inclusivity shines brightly during Month of Pride, offering players the opportunity to immerse themselves in their beloved games while joining in the celebration.
Darkpaw Games: Pride Month with Everquest 2
Darkpaw Games also joyfully embraces Pride once again, treating players to fresh Everquest 2 content. Alongside this exciting addition, users can freely acquire month-themed familiars from the marketplace, enhancing their gaming experience.
Players can enjoy the new content and avail themselves of the delightful month-themed familiars until July 9th, ensuring an immersive and inclusive Pride celebration.
Twitch: celebrating LGBTQIA+ streamers and building community
Twitch, the renowned streaming platform, is set to showcase a remarkable collection of LGBTQIA+ streamers during the entire month.
"Authentic, unapologetic, and consistently inspiring us with their live broadcasts. In honor of Pride month, we unite to celebrate LGBTQIA+ streamers and their extraordinary role in fostering vibrant communities," as expressed by Twitch.
Viewers can expect Twitch to shine a spotlight on LGBTQIA+ streamers from the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland, amplifying their voices and creating a space for inclusive representation.
Electronic Arts (EA)
Electronic Arts, a leading game publisher, is joining the Pride Month celebrations with various initiatives. EA has introduced Pride-themed content and events in popular games like The Sims 4, Apex Legends, and FIFA 23. Players can expect in-game items, challenges, and special rewards that promote LGBTQIA+ visibility and representation. EA is proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community and create inclusive gaming experiences.
Final line
The games industry's embrace of Pride Month showcases the ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Companies like Nintendo, EA, HitBerry Games, Blizzard Entertainment, Crystal Dynamics, and much more are actively promoting LGBTQIA+ representation in their games, fostering supportive environments, and raising funds for essential causes. The collaborations with organizations like GLAAD or Kaleidoscope Trust further amplify the impact of these initiatives. As players and industry professionals come together to celebrate Pride Month, the gaming community demonstrates its dedication to creating a more inclusive and welcoming space for all.
Contact us if you want to create an LGBTQIA+ project or a game of any other format.