Game fandoms are becoming increasingly popular, in part due to the sense of connection players feel when seeing characters represent their identity on the screen. English has experienced the impact of this personally, receiving “letters from all over the world saying thank you… That has been massive, knowing we have that impact just by existing, let alone being in games that have that actual representation throughout.”
Hebblethwaite says: “when people see themselves represented in something, they’re going to engage with it. Where you can connect with people, you can connect with a believable script with well-written characters, that’s where it works. It’s about people wanting human stories that they can connect with.”
As well as feeling represented by LGBTQ+ stories, seeing queer actors performing in games can be a huge source of inspiration for the queer community. The Head of BAFTA Games adds: “Having performers who are out and much more visible than they’ve ever been is an important part of being advocates for the sector.”
When telling authentic queer stories, English feels it is important for the queer community to see queer characters played by queer actors. “The way I describe it is when you hear your mum on the phone and you can tell within seconds who she is speaking to. You know who it is, that is authenticity, a believable interaction between your mum and her sister or the neighbour… The more authentic, the more real, the more truthful the performance is, the more we buy into it.”
It’s also just as important for the creative talent behind a game to be representative. English adds: “We were really lucky that there were a lot of queer creatives on [Baldur’s Gate 3] as well… It is having representation on all levels, we’re talking intersectional, please… that is so important as well.”