LGBTQ+ media-advocacy organization GLAAD has released a report on queer inclusion in the world of video games.

Among the key findings in "Gaming: The State of LGBTQ Inclusion in Video Games" is that 17%—nearly one in five—active

gamers identify as LGBTQ. However, GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis added that the organization also "found that games with LGBTQ characters or storylines account for less than 2% of all games. We are nearly invisible in game representations despite being a significant percentage of gamers."

There are many similarities between LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ gamers. More detailed information shows, for example, that 69%, of LGBTQ gamers play at least four hours per week on PCs or consoles, compared to 64% of non-LGBTQ+ gamers. Also, LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ gamers report similar percentages regarding which platforms they use and which genres they play; the exceptions are 39% of LGBTQ+ gamers who play on the Nintendo Switch consoles, compared to 32% of non-LGBTQ gamers. Income may factor into those stats, as Switch has a lower cost of entry and LGBTQ+ gamers earn less than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.

"Gaming" stresses that more LGBTQ+ inclusion is needed in a field in which its estimated global revenue surpasses that of filmed entertainment and recorded music—combined. One Illinois user commented, "I feel like there are so many stories that have yet to be told in the LGBTQ+ community, and I hope game developers continue to tell those stories."

The full report is at Website Link Here .

—Andrew Davis