GLAAD is proud to announce the first ever nominees in the Outstanding Video Game category for the 30th Annual GLAAD Media Awards. We are committed to ensuring that authentic LGBTQ stories are included in video games. Today, we honor five games for their contribution to LGBTQ representation in the medium.

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey (Ubisoft) Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey follows protagonists Kassandra and Alexios across an epic role-playing adventure in ancient Greece. True to the norms of the historical period, sexuality is fluid and celebrated. Both Kassandra and Alexios can romance same-sex characters in the game and will often encounter non-player characters with same-sex partners. There are specific references to historical LGBTQ figures, including Alcibiades and Sappho. LGBTQ inclusion is both prominently featured and effectively woven throughout the game. Note: GLAAD has released a separate statement addressing the controversy around the Legacy of the First Blade DLC.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Summerset (Bethesda Softworks) The Elder Scrolls Online is an MMORPG set in The Elder Scrolls franchise, also known for Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. The ongoing game receives regular content updates and expansions, the latest of which is Summerset. Among its wealth of new content, Summerset introduced a questline in which the player helps a transgender woman reunite with her estranged twin sister. The story is a heartfelt tale of familial bonds, coming out, and acceptance.

Guild Wars 2: Path of Fire (ArenaNet) Path of Fire is the latest expansion for the fantasy MMORPG Guild Wars 2. In 2018, Path of Fire received a series of content updates known as Living World Season 4. While exploring the realm of Elona, where Living World Season 4 primarily takes place, players will encounter LGBTQ characters both major and minor, making LGBTQ identities feel like a natural and vital part of the world.

Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire (Obsidian Entertainment) Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is an “old school” computer RPG that features a tremendous degree of player agency, and character romance is no exception. The game’s expansive cast of characters includes many with LGBTQ identities. The player character has the opportunity to enter relationships with same-sex characters and even influence party members to pursue same-sex relationships.

The Sims Mobile (Electronic Arts) The Sims Mobile is the latest version of the popular life simulation game for mobile platforms. Like its predecessors, the game allows players to form relationships between characters of any gender. The Sims franchise has long been a beacon of representation through player agency, allowing LGBTQ players to express and sometimes discover their identities safely in a virtual environment. Bringing this game to a much wider audience through mobile platforms is a significant step forward for LGBTQ representation.

About the Author: Blair Durkee is a special projects consultant to GLAAD, specializing in gaming.