Most Gamers Think the Industry Has a Responsibility to Be More Inclusive

Half (50%) of non-LGBTQ gamers and 65% of LGBTQ gamers feel that game developers have a responsibility to make gaming and gaming spaces more inclusive. LGBTQ gamers also pay more attention to the internal dynamics of studios. While the vast majority of non-LGBTQ gamers (72%) say such dynamics do not matter to them, over half of LGBTQ gamers (54%) would be more likely to buy or play a game if they learn that the game is developed by a studio with a significant proportion of LGBTQ workers. Moreover, 69% of LGBTQ gamers and nearly half of non-LGBTQ gamers (48%) are less likely to buy or play a game from a company with a history of mistreating its LGBTQ workers. International Game Developers Association’s 2021 report finds that 78% of LGBTQ people in the game industry have experienced inequity in the workplace. They also tend to be paid less, make up a smaller percentage of management, and experience more inequity and harassment when compared to heterosexual workers.13

Both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ gamers are highly conscious of how gaming companies treat their LGBTQ workers

Less likely to buy or play a game from a company with a history of mistreating its LGBTQ employees Both LGBTQ and non-LGBTQ gamers are highly conscious of how gaming companies treat their LGBTQ workers

More Publications from GLAAD

In a historic move, on May 9, President Barack Obama announced his support for full marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. In an interview with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts, President Obama stated that his decision to publically support marriage equality is rooted in his faith. In the days immediately following President Barack Obama’s statement in support of marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples, news media outlets scrambled to address the president’s use of religious language in explaining how his “evolution” concluded with him choosing to support marriage equality. What we found was stark, but unsurprising.

Read More

stay tuned!