From Dragon Age to Kingdom Come Deliverance II – Has 2025 Been a Pivotal Year for LGBTQ Representation?
The conversation around LGBTQ representation in video games has grown significantly over the past two decades, moving from a rarely acknowledged subject to a major topic in mainstream gaming conversation.
In 2025, two highly anticipated releases, Dragon Age: The Veilguard and Kingdom Come Deliverance II, sparked renewed discussion about how inclusive storytelling can shape the industry.
However, has this year marked a turning point for LGBTQ visibility in gaming, or is it simply the next step in a gradual evolution? Let’s dive straight in to find out.
How far has LGBTQ representation in gaming come?
Ever since those very first video games, the vast majority have often avoided LGBTQ themes entirely. Representation, if it appeared at all, was typically relegated to subtle hints or stereotypes. Characters who were explicitly queer were rare, and when they did appear, they often played minor or comedic roles rather than being central to a story.
This began to shift in the late 2000s and early 2010s, with role-playing games from major studios introducing romance options that included same-sex relationships. Titles like Mass Effect and Dragon Age: Origins were among the first big-budget games to feature meaningful LGBTQ interactions, giving players the ability to shape their own stories around diverse identities.
Indie games also played a crucial role. Developers working outside the constraints of major publishers began telling authentic queer stories, from Gone Home to Dream Daddy, and proved there was both an audience and a market for these experiences. Over time, representation became less generic, moving away from tokenism toward layered, complex characters who happened to be LGBTQ.
What role do players and communities play in pushing for representation?
The gaming community has been instrumental in shaping how representation evolves. Fan feedback, online forums, and social media campaigns have pressured studios to expand inclusivity, and many players today see themselves reflected in the characters they control, which deepens their emotional connection to a game.
Community modding has also filled gaps where developers hesitated. Players who added same-sex romance options or created more diverse character models helped demonstrate demand. These efforts showed publishers that inclusivity was not just a political issue but also a financial one, with players more likely to support studios that embraced diversity.
Representation also extends beyond developers and players to content creators and critics. Streamers, for example, as well as journalists, and gaming /technology/platform reviewers have highlighted the importance of inclusivity, amplifying the conversation and ensuring that studios cannot ignore it.
This pattern is not unique to gaming. It’s happening across the digital entertainment sector. Consumer demand and shifting attitudes have reshaped industries ranging from film to online gambling. For example, reviews of online casinos in Canada with high payouts listed on casino.ca show how communities push for transparency and fairness in gaming spaces beyond traditional video games. The lesson being taught here is that when audiences speak loudly enough, industries adapt or die.
Why 2025 stands out for inclusive storytelling
The question being asked here is what makes 2025 different? The release of Dragon Age: The Veilguard has been one of the clearest examples of a AAA studio embracing LGBTQ representation as part of its core identity.
The Dragon Age series has long been known for diverse character options, but this year’s installment doubled down on inclusivity by ensuring players can form relationships across a spectrum of orientations and gender identities. Representation is not presented as a side feature but as an integral part of the story.
In contrast, Kingdom Come Deliverance II initially sparked controversy because of concerns over how a historically inspired setting might approach diversity. While the game is rooted in medieval Europe, developers took steps to allow for inclusivity without ignoring the historical backdrop.
Simply by offering options that reflect modern values while, at the same time, keeping the tone authentic, the game demonstrated that even genres grounded in realism can make space for representation.
Beyond individual titles, 2025 feels pivotal because inclusive storytelling is no longer viewed as a niche concern. It is now seen as part of a broader expectation that games should reflect the diversity of their players. Representation has become a marker of quality and depth, not just an optional feature.
Diversity beyond characters
Representation in gaming goes beyond who characters are. In recent times, it has also become more about the choices players are allowed to make.
Story-driven games now give players the freedom to shape romances, alliances, and even identities in ways that were unthinkable in earlier decades. The ability to customise avatars, select pronouns, or decide how relationships unfold reflects a broader cultural shift toward inclusivity.
Beyond representation, diversity also means having access to different genres, platforms, and experiences. Some players look for immersive role-playing adventures, while others turn to mobile titles, eSports, or online casinos.
In each of these spaces, inclusivity and fairness matter. The more industries recognise this, the more sustainable their growth becomes.
Where could LGBTQ representation in games go next?
While 2025 has been a strong year for inclusivity, there is still work to be done. Representation in gaming is often concentrated in narrative-driven genres, while competitive titles or sports simulations remain slower to adopt diverse characterisation.
Expanding representation across all genres will help normalise inclusivity rather than keeping it confined to certain types of games.
Future advances in technology may also influence representation. Virtual reality, for example, could allow for even more personal expressions of identity, while AI-driven narratives might create characters that respond dynamically to a player’s choices in ways that feel authentic and inclusive.
The industry also has an opportunity to highlight more LGBTQ voices behind the scenes. Developers, writers, and designers from diverse backgrounds bring authenticity that cannot always be achieved through consultation alone. As more LGBTQ creators gain visibility, their stories will naturally filter into the games they help shape.
Please play responsibly. The 2SLGBTQiA+ community is known to be at higher risk for gambling-related harm due to a range of social and economic factors. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, there are support services available in British Columbia. Contact the BC Gambling Support Line at 1-888-795-6111, available 24/7, or visit www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca for confidential help, information, and free counselling.