Why We Need More Gay Characters In Video Games

"A couple of weeks ago, Ubisoft Montreal lead writer Lucien Soulban took to the Ubisoft Blog and, in the course of a Q&A about his role at the studio, shared the view that we’re unlikely to see an LGBT character take centre stage in a triple-A game anytime soon. He explained that fears of damaging sales would be the main stumbling block in securing support for a homosexual protagonist, asserting that until publishers were convinced otherwise, a gay lead is likely to remain a pipe dream. It’s worth mentioning too that Soulban is openly gay."

[Abriael]

What about just more well written characters, regardless of their sexual orientation?

[MaxwellBuddha]

In my opinion, developers should just leave their protagonist's sexuality a blank slate so that the player can better self-identify however he/she wants to with the character.

Problem solved. Master Chief is now gay. Happy? (not speaking directly to you, Abriael. It's more of a rhetorical question)

[Allsystemgamer]

Well...he doesn't understand human connection so how can he be gay/ sexual at all?

[thekhurg]

I agree. I won't play games when they start forcing me to roleplay a gay character. Just let me roleplay the character I want, don't force lifestyles I don't agree with on me.

[maddskull]

first of all we dont need gay characters. they dont affect anything it ctually hate it when there is a gay character. all characters are the same there stories just differ so no need for gays

[shaenoide]

how can you have a disagree with that -_-

[JsonHenry]

Because some people want to FORCE you to be gay or celebrate it. (in a game in this case)

I agree with the OP though.

[SnotyTheRocket]

Well I don't think they should make characters gay, just to have a gay character. Take Green Lantern. I heard rumors that they where going to make a movie or comic (can't remember which) where Green Lantern would be gay. I mean, sure, if it FIT with the character, that's okay, but don't do it just because.

[Edsword]

You are right, most games don't even need to bring up sexual orientation and the ones that do not need to force you into a role of a homosexual. I was in California last week, one of the most gay friendly states and I was out and about in LA. The whole time I was there I saw plenty of straight couples holding hands everywhere. I thought it odd that I did not notice even 1 gay couple. They are a very small percentage of our population. I am sure I passed quite a few homosexuals, but my point is this, it is not the norm and it does not need representation in every videogame, sit-com, and movie. Why don't we have more articles about lack or Hispanic game characters that don't fit social stereotypes? I would rather see a game with a strong black protagonist.

[N4g_null]

Welcome to adult gaming! Let's get this party started.

[Christopher]

In the end, the _only_ reason we "need" more gay characters is because the creative minds behind the games want more gay characters in their games.

The decision over relationships in games should come solely from the creative minds and not from the few voices who demand it on a regular basis. If it's something they see as being of such importance, they should make their own games with their own characters.

I appreciate developers who are a part of the LGBT group of society and how they bring their personal experiences in this regard to their games.

[Eonjay]

I really think its a bit overboard to overtly insert gay characters just to have them there. Naughty Dog did an exceptional job in The Last of Us because the gay characters weren't paraded around and it was even easy to miss because the clues weren't integral to the story.

Its like Delsin in Infamous. He and his brother are Native Americans. But I'm glad to see that Sucker Punch hasn't made a big deal about it like somehow they are heroic for having a non white hetro male as the lead.

[morganfell]

A smart, yet succinct reply to this issue. Bubbles.

[staticdash22]

Can we just have good characters? Look at Ellie, a well written character that's pretty much into the ladies, She's a good character first and foremost, that just happens to be like that. There wasn't really any shock value, and I think some people just want the shock value.

[PSN-JeRzYzFyNeSt]

lets just make the entire world gay. is that what youer all aiming for??
are gays feeling left out?

[ChickeyCantor]

Well the ignorance is strong with this one.

[Allsystemgamer]

It has nothing to do with ignorance. These gay articles are Seamlessly crying for gay attention. Personally I'm bisexual and I find these getting annoying.

Sexuality doesn't and should t matter.

Ellie being gay is awesome. So what. As a bisexual male I understand the written narrative. Although had she been male and me in my teens I would had totally done for her personality type. Regardless of sexual preferences. ...who cares

[ChickeyCantor]

@allsystemgamer,

Being gay isn't exactly a trivial thing everywhere. And games, no matter the genre, still reflect on reality -a lot-. No one is saying the characters should be a flamboyant power ranger who runs around in tight suites with a hipster scarf around his neck. Who screams "look at me I'm gay".

Gay heroes in video game can empower our state of reality and make people understand that no matter what you are gay people are no different. Again no one is asking for these characters to force their sexuality down your throat. It's about highlighting reality.

How else would you try to give it attention if not by writing an article about it? How will you convey the message if you just sit silently doing nothing?

Damn right PSN-JerzYz was being ignorant. Because no one is trying to make the entire world gay. It's exactly that kind of sh/t I read here on n4g when it comes to gay issues.

[HighResHero]

Maybe if you can be a bit more tolerant of other people's perspectives they will hear you out Chickey.

[goldwyncq]

Why? To boost their self-esteem?

[SouthClaw]

@ChickeyCantor

No he isin't it is justified. Alot of "groups" want their people pushed into an IP just because they want their people in it. Make doctor who a female. Make James Blond black. It doesn't just come down to gay people but all groups.

Characters should be written to their needs to the story and not have the story fit around the character because you want them to represent a group.

Why does a character need to be gay? Think about the effect on young children as well. I have nothing against gay people. I have friends who are gay and bi. I just think people are ridiculous in their thoughts.

[ChickeyCantor]

"Why does a character need to be gay? Think about the effect on young children as well. I have nothing against gay people. I have friends who are gay and bi. I just think people are ridiculous in their thoughts."

Why does a character need to be anything? It's part of their background, isn't it? That's like saying why does the hero need to be straight and always fall in love with the girl he saves? Anyone regardless of their sexuality and gender CAN achieve great goals.
So asking why something "needs to be" is just ridiculous and holds no merit.

You're being equally ridiculous in your thought "Think about the effect on young children as well". So kids with two dads and two mommies are probably never going to have normal life according to you, right? You're just thriving on the straw-man here.

[Angeljuice]

" Think about the effect on young children as well."

Why, do you think they can catch 'gay' by seeing it in a game. Perhaps the effect on children will be increased tolerance towards those that are different to the "norm".

I don't think that anyone should create a gay protagonist just for the hell of it, but if it is a well-written character and their sexuality is important to the story, I have no problem with it.

I'm 100% heterosexual and have absolutely no physical/romantic/sexual thoughts about men whatsoever. There is no possible way I could change my sexuality (even if I wanted to). Because of this I feel that being gay is as much a lifestyle choice as ethnicity or being handicapped is.

I wouldn't have a problem playing as a female character, a character from an ethnic minority, a disabled character or a gay character. On top of this, I would have zero worries about my children playing those games or fear that they may change gender, turn black, become disabled or re-invent themselves as homosexual just by playing.

If it is important to the plot, I have no problem at all.

[SouthClaw]

Children are impressionable. Which is why I said think of the children. Like I said I have nothing against gay or bisexual people. However it is not "normal". Two women or two men cannot create a child. It is not the normal state. Which is why I think it is ridiculous to push a character into a story because they are gay or make up stories to fit around a gay character. I find it interesting how you both ignored my comments on about changing the ethnics of a character to make it more PC.

[Angeljuice]

Nothing in computer games is 'normal', it's not normal to travel back in time to fight ancient battles, its not normal to steal cars, rob banks, kill people or stop some evil supervillain from destroying the world. It's not normal to play sports at a national/international level, it's not normal to be a non-human character.

Maybe your kids shouldn't play computer games at all because nothing in them is normal, if it were nobody would play.

How are your kids getting on with 'Ultimate Library Simulator' and 'Weekly Grocery Shopping II'?

[ElementX]

There are hundreds of cases of same gender attraction in the wild. It's not just something humans do.

"It is not 'normal'"? Well it is to the people who are born that way. They don't know anything else. Why do relationships have to create children?

Children are impressionable however I knew I liked boys when I was in elementary school. Any sort of game that has anything to do with relations is rated for ages higher than would be "impressionable"

You don't have to create stories to fit GLBT characters. There are GLBT people doing everything heterosexual people are doing. You could put a GLBT person into any role in a video game and you can be certain there are real GLBT people doing it.

SMH

[starscream01]

There is hundreds of cases of animals in the wild that is gay??? Uh OK yeah I have seen dogs in heat try to have intercourse that was male on male....but they are ANIMALS! !!!!! There is also cases of some animals eating their own young.......just saying that is a very poor argument.

[ElementX]

Well there are characters of different cultures in video games, and I respect that. I think characters fitting stereotypes are a problem, however. For instance Franklin and his friend in GTAV. I just can't get over their swearing and misuse of the English language. Why can't there be educated, well spoken black characters in video games? Same goes for the LGBT community, of which I'm a part. I'm not a flaming queen and I really don't care for those types of people. I wouldn't want to listen to feminine men in video games the same way I don't like hearing Franklin talk. If there are various cultures in video games, at least make them act like regular people and ditch the stereotypes. There are plenty of gay men who act and talk like regular guys. Since video games are cross cultural and all types of people play them, there should be a variety of characters.

*EDIT* I'm sure most of you know at least one GLBT person and could even be friends with them. If you associate with them in real life, such as work/school, what's wrong with one in a video game?

[OculusRift]

Let me just point this out. If the main character if a game is gay, guess what? I'm not buying it. Why? Because it's not relatable to me at all, and it would make me really uncomfortable. Just like if a show is pushing gay folks on to it, I won't watch nor would my kids. I don't swing for my own team and I won't force myself or anyone to try to enjoy it just to make what 10-12% percent of the world's population happy. I have no problems with homosexuals, I just won't support it.

*Incoming media zombie disagrees*

[ElementX]

If you're white, would you avoid playing a game with an urban black character because you can't relate?

[Muadiib]

Nah I agree with you, I think it's seen as more of a taboo in today's society to not agree with homosexuality than it is to be a homosexual.

People ask for tolerance with the homosexual but they frequently have zero tolerance with those that disagree with that lifestyle, talk about hypocrites.

They bandy around words like "homophobe" and "intolerant" to get us to shut up, it's using intimidation tactics like that, that makes them intolerant not us.

I have no fear of homosexual people whatsoever though, I agree with above comments that I just want great characters in my games whatever their sexuality is. I don't remember any games that focused on the main characters being heterosexual...

[morganfell]

Thanks for this reply. This is an all too often occurring scenario. Groups of people claim to represent 'the people' but they actually only represent themselves. They are all for free speech as long as you are saying what they want to hear.

It is a well known if not consciously aware tactic. Is someone trying to point out an issue of which others may not be aware but you do not agree with the impact of their findings? Or better yet you have nothing better to do with your life? Paint them a conspiracy nut and they are laughed at by the masses. Never mind there may have been truth in their words, you didn't like what the facts said. Now stick your head back in the sand and be happy.

Know someone that doesn't support your cause? They are not against it, they just do not support it. Well, paint them a homophobe/racist/right wing gun nut and they are ousted. Oh and when you are through calling for your rights and crying about your situation and the precious nature of life, burn those non-supporters and their families to a cinder, crush those miserable non-life loving creatures as if they never existed so you can have a world of peace and love.

Some countries may not have been founded upon this fact, but the US was built upon not only the freedom of certain practices but the freedom from them as well.

Are you familiar with the phrase, "I do not agree with what you are saying but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Well, it doesn't apply for them meaning they would not defend your right because they have other plans for your life.

And while they are at it, I am deathly sorry they have not gotten their own superhero characters. Some social and racial groups have not been fairly represented. Seriously I regret this. But enough with the damn revisionist crap. Try some originality for a change and get your own.

[ChickeyCantor]

"Are you familiar with the phrase, "I do not agree with what you are saying but I will defend to the death your right to say it" Well, it doesn't apply for them meaning they would not defend your right because they have other plans for your life. "

Good grieve...The ignorance, so powerful, it's burning right trough my monitor...face melting...

[morganfell]

It is known as tolerance chicky. Tolerance is that thing you keep demanding of others yet you yourself have shown a marked inability to demonstrate.

Tolerance doesn't mean I have to like you, your choices or anything about you. It means I can even hate you if I choose but it's live and let live. Your lack of tolerance is exactly the sort of thing about which I was speaking. You apparently feel only heterosexuals have to be tolerant. Let me guess, you think only white people can be racist.

Reading your comments, and even just the ones in this thread I noticed how often you just simply resort to attacking an individual on a personal level rather than the issue you claim to support. How vicious and predictable...and base.

More than one person in this thread has pointed this out to you. But your response is to put your fingers in your ears and keep stomping away. News flash. Most of the world isn't gay and doesn't want to be gay. Contrary to some ludicrous beliefs the human race isn't all born with a secret gay gene in them. News flash two. Most of the world doesn't care one way or the other if you are gay. It isn't a matter of consequence.

Let me put it in simple adolescent terms you can grasp. You do your thing and we'll do ours. But stop flying off the handle and interfering in our lives because we do not appreciate repeated attempts by a smaller group of people to ram their beliefs down our throats. I gave up on the number of comments of yours I researched and noticed the central sexual theme in so many of them.

Want a gay character? Become a developer and make a game with a gay character. Build an entire gay universe for all we care. But you can't attack developers and publishers who are risking millions of dollars and peoples lives and investments by selling a game with a character that a large part of the demographic may not want to play or they may not want their children to play. It is their right.

Sometimes people fronting these issues are like little gay hostage takers attempting to hold the industry for ransom threatening mayhem if they do not get their way.

You have a right to be gay/bi/androgynous but you need to grow up and realize most people do not care. And they have a right to ignore you, they even have a right to despise and hate you as long as they do not act in a harmful manner on such beliefs. It's called freedom buddy, you had better get used to it. Just like you have the freedom to be gay. There may be some imaginary nanny state where the government you want is able to dictate what people say and even think and feel but reality will give that ridiculous idea the beatdown it deserves every time.

I would defend to the end your right to live the way you want - something that is apparently foreign to you and speaks volumes about the way you see freedom and the rights of others, but do not get upset or melt your face because I do not agree with your choices. On second thought, get upset. Have a hissy fit. Have two while you are at it. Even though some of us could care less it is like you can't stand our drawing a breath knowing we do not agree with you.

And for the sake of simple English, it is 'good grief', not 'good grieve'. Even small children that have seen Charlie Brown once and heard those oft uttered words can get it right. I must have seen you use that phrase incorrectly at least 20 times. If you are going to continue to insult people at least have the sense of decorum not to butcher the language.

[ChickeyCantor]

"It is known as tolerance chicky. Tolerance is that thing you keep demanding of others yet you yourself have shown a marked inability to demonstrate. "

You're the one implying that people want to change other peoples life. Which is just hilariously dumb.

"You have a right to be gay/bi/androgynous "

You make it sound like people "choose" to be gay/bi. It's not a privilege you know. It's like saying "you have the right to be hetero" And you find it strange that I think you and some other people are ignorant on the topic.

"Want a gay character? Become a developer and make a game with a gay character. Build an entire gay universe for all we care. But you can't attack developers and publishers who are risking millions of dollars and peoples lives and investments by selling a game with a character that a large part of the demographic may not want to play or they may not want their children to play. It is their right. "

And where was I attacking developers/publishers? As for people who don't want to play as a gay character, they apparently don't mind playing a character of their opposite sex. It's clear there is a strong sense of prejudice and how SOCIETY is trying to make things different even if they are not. If you can play a character that is of different skin color, sex and ethnicity then there should absolutely be no problem playing a character that is gay.

"But stop flying off the handle and interfering in our lives because we do not appreciate repeated attempts by a smaller group of people to ram their beliefs down our throats."

Because when a developer decides to put a gay character in their game they are holding a gun to your head and demand you buy and play it right? You yourself said that you don't have to buy it. You talk of "tolerance" but you pretend that when someone highlights and issue they want to "ram their beliefs down your throats". Which is just on your ignorant behalf. I also find it hilarious that when it comes to gay issues people always say "don't force it down my throat".

"It's called freedom buddy"
"I would defend to the end your right to live the way you want - something that is apparently foreign to you and speaks volumes about the way you see freedom and the rights of others, but do not get upset or melt your face because I do not agree with your choices. On second thought, get upset. Have a hissy fit. Have two while you are at it. Even though some of us could care less it is like you can't stand our drawing a breath knowing we do not agree with you. "

This whole BS about "freedom". You are trying to shut people because you feel like they are "forcing it down your throat". I do NOT have to be "tolerant" towards the ignorance that is roaming on this website. If you don't want to play a game with a gay character, that is your right. But when you ask BS like "Why does it need to be a gay character" I'm going to call you out on your BS. Simple as that. You pretend people are trying to take away your "freedom". I'm simply calling out to your BS.

" There may be some imaginary nanny state where the government you want is able to dictate what people say and even think and feel but reality will give that ridiculous idea the beatdown it deserves every time. "
It's clear you're riding the "'Merica freedom" train and all this talk about "tolerance" ( eventhough you havn't really shown any yourself ) is simply superficial.

[morganfell]

"You're the one implying that people want to change other peoples life. Which is just hilariously dumb."

What is really dumb is the 'people that want to change others lives' are people like you. You are asking us to change to accept you and everything you want. I am saying leave people alone. You are on your fascist gay rights train and are determined people change their hobby for you as you ram into the station.

"You make it sound like people "choose" to be gay/bi.

WRONG. I am saying that people the world over are not gay. If they want to be gay/bi whatever go ahead. Asking the mainstream, the majority to bend to your desires isn't justice, it is a dictatorship.

"And where was I attacking developers/publishers?"

WRONG. I am saying you are asking them to risk more than your measly $59 purchase. And you and your minority are not worth the risk of millions and the future of a company. People like you do harass developers and publishers as well as anyone that isn't on your ride. The minute you do not get your way you play your little political correctness card and point a finger at them and scream from across the street. "Hate monger! Hate crime! Injustice! Discrminination!" etc etc ad nauseum.

You remind me of N'Gai Croal and RE5. I told him, "Welcome to equal rights. Equal means you do not always get your way or get to play the persecution card. You also get to be the target of a thousand jokes and your hate crime woe is me armor...you don't get that anymore."

But keep screaming. You are your own worst enemy. People like you fail to comprehend that eventually you alienate the observers that supported you. They eventually see you for what you are, get a belly full and move on. Did it ever occur to you that often people are not anti-gay, they are just doing what they do? And intentionally inserting a gay character, even for 'balance' - I guess that is akin to gay affirmative action - is as bad as it gets.

"Because when a developer decides to put a gay character in their game they are holding a gun to your head and demand you buy and play it right?"

WRONG (again - a pattern is forming). There is no demand, they are simply publishing. And if people do not buy it then they have no one to blame but themselves when it tanks. But people like you have no grasp of demographics because you think everyone should change to accept what you want. Because if they do not they are ignorant heretics, right?

You want to blame the public for not buying the game and embracing gay characters with a big wet sloppy kiss. When the public isn't interested, people like you have a tantrum and fall back on your "They are bigoted" defense. You give the rest of the masses no right to adhere to their own beliefs. You are the real discriminators and for it you should be ashamed.

"I do NOT have to be "tolerant" towards the ignorance that is roaming on this website."

Now we get to the real root of your problem and I touched on it above. The second people do not agree with you, they are not exercising their freedom, suddenly they are ignorant. The truth is people such as yourself are the real tunnelvisionaries. You are far more hateful than any person that says "I don't support you but I am not against you either." You are even more detestable than those that openly hate gay rights. At least there is honesty in their ridiculous hate.

Everyone needs to be burned at the stake for not changing their views to suit you. Excuse me while I play some Duke Nukem...

[ElementX]

How do you relate to female characters? Black, Latino, Asian characters? Do you play military shooters? Have you been in the military? If not, how do you relate to those?

[annus]

And what games do you relate to? The majority of games are unrealistic. Or do you walk outside in your wizard outfit pretending to cast spells at the cars that drive past?

[Eonjay]

Honestly, I don't find any of my favorite characters to be "relate-able" so I do question your logic. As a man, I can still enjoy playing as a female character. I am not a father, but I can enjoy Joel's struggle. I am not a murderer but I do enjoy playing as Kratos.

[D3ATH_DRIV3R_777]

@OculusRift

Agreed, i would feel the same way. Playing a gay character would make me feel uncomfortable.

[Christopher]

I see no issue with your stance. As long as it's not hatred towards them, it's fine to just not understand it.

One sportscaster said it well in response to the recently openly gay football player.

"I may not understand the world of homosexuals, but I recognize that they are a part of my world."

Your choice to play a game is your choice.

[OculusRift]

Thank you.

[Wolfgang187]

Wasnt master chief gay? I thought he was

[Master-H]

Yup, him and commander Shepard go way back.

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

Ironically enough the title only proves to make people with non-straight sexual orientation seem 'abnormal'

[Ogygian]

About 2-5% of the population are gay, so even in the most sexually liberal settings, this is the proportion of gay characters we'd expect to see. In settings where homosexuals are repressed, we should expect to see less.

And then there's the fact that most gamers are males and only 2-5% of these are gay. Romance as a concept feels wrong when you are forced to experience it from the PoV of another sexuality (female, male, lgbt or heterosexual).

It intrinsically feels wrong because the whole point of sexuality is that one feels right for everyone! (I expect straight romance feels weird for LGBT players).

AAA games won't be made with homosexual protagonists, except the perhaps one which does so to make a point. Capturing that 2-5% of the market might be more possible for indie designers though, so I'd expect to see LGBT protagonists in indie games soon.

As for non-protagonist characters, as long as the proportions are normal (2-5% of characters you meet, maybe one important character to add to the story) then we are in a good, rational, balanced place when it comes to LGBT representation in games.

[LogicLee]

A majority of gamers aren't gay, so they will struggle to identify with a protagonist that is. I, for one, wouldn't want to play the role of a gay male, because that's not something I'm interested in. It's that simple.

On that note: who really gives a crap? Who's to say that Master Chief isn't gay, or that your character in the Pokemon games isn't gay or lesbian? It's mostly open to interpretation. Sex doesn't really belong in most games, and thus neither does sexual orientation.

In games where it MIGHT matter to some, you normally have some sort of option. Such as Mass Effect or Dragon Age.

[NeoTribe]

Oh god another "look at me im gay" article.

[shadow18spirit]

WTF is happening to the video game industry , first censoring south park then this , what happened to just playing the game for fun.

[carlingtat]

its not the games industry its society. Political Correctness has gone too far and noone wants to offend anyone. Such bullshit.

[aLucidMind]

TL;DR
What the fuck happened to civil, intelligent discourse!?

Long version-
Yep. While people should be respectful towards one another, people should not have to actively avoid offending someone. All it does is make those easily offended more and more easily offended because they're not used to even civil, constructive criticism.

Everyone has the right to speak their mind and, while they have no right to intentionally attack or offend, they should not be attacked or berated for simply or plainly stating their opinion. I may be 100% supportive of homosexuality and wish for them to be attain equal rights, but people need to realize there is a difference between "I don't agree with it" and "death to all faggots!". People really should stop treating the former like it is the same as the latter.

[cfc83]

I don't know why this has been brought up so much in the past year or so. It's beginning to get slightly irritating.

[yazter]

One year and it's irritating?

I deal with heterosexual shit all my life and I am not complaining. Then again I'm not insecure.

[starscream420]

If it wasn't for heterosexuality $hi& you wouldn't exist......would you? Don't be so ignorant Lol

[EdoubleD]

Why're you so butthurt? It's the truth, this is irritating.

Go ship some characters in Tumblr or something.

[Mkai28]

Here is wisdom, if everyone was gay what would happened?

[Angeljuice]

That's a stupid question, you may as well ask "If everyone was male what would happen"? Why do you feel the need to paint an impossible scenario to justify your prejudice?

[Mkai28]

I'm saying, what's the point of pushing the gay agenda? If the person is gay so what, do we have to know the character is gay? They will put gay in everything until ppl get " used to it"..

Indeed, if everyone was male all this time then we would have no need for a female. Back to my question, if everyone was gay, what would happen? It goes against the laws of nature, mankind would have an end thus we would not exist..

[Makakal]

everyone would be walking funny and have aids

[FunAndGun]

since you are throwing out hypothetical questions....

Maybe being gay is natures way of controlling the population in this world because straight people are popping out babies like pez.

Also, if everyone in this world did happen to be gay, babies could still be made by insemination. We have that technology and it is nothing new.

I am gay and the only gay agenda I know of is the fight for equal human rights. The sooner that comes to light, the sooner this issue will not be an issue. Then people like you don't have to "get tired of hearing about it or having it shoved down your throats".

[aLucidMind]

The "gay agenda" isn't to make everyone gay, it is to attain equal rights. Homosexuality does not go against the laws of nature; if it did, then there wouldn't be over 1500 other species on the planet documented to have homosexual individuals. If it exists, it is not against the laws of nature.

Even if your fear were justifiable and true, the human race would not come to an end. Wouldn't you think homosexuals would take advantage of artificial insemination? Also, only one in every 250 households have homosexuals in them. Are you really so daft that you think two men can risk the extinction of the other 250 by having sex or getting married? If so, then you're not anywhere near as wise as you like to believe.

The simple fact that you're so sure that you're wise when what you're saying is not proves it isn't wisdom you have, it is arrogance.

[overlord23]

Here we go again the Gay band wagon is in town.
Seen it heard it no it's just feckin BORING.

[sephiroth420]

lol why do we need more gay characters, if you want more gay characters just go and play some old jrpgs, but really, why does it even matter?

[MrTrololo]

Ewww no way it bad enough we play as a dumb lesbian in Gone Home already.

[carlingtat]

If the creator doesnt want to have gay characters then he/she doesnt have to. These days it seems if you only have a straight male then you're in the wrong and should cater to everyone. If they choose to not have a gay character then thats their decision leave it be. Not having a gay character in a game because the creator doesnt want it is better than forcing a gay character into a game and coming out like shit.

[Makakal]

What a gay article.....keep up the good work of forcing your disgusting sexual orientation down our throats (no pun intended). So tired of this crap. I can't even escape it on a website for video games. Unbelievable.

[yazter]

I keep seeing that girl ass with the zelda tattoo every page I open on this.

Plus shirtless women

Plus bouncing melons from every article about Dead or Alive

Now even the mention of the word gay disgusts you? Wow you are insecure.

[Roccetarius]

More like, why we don't need to force developers to use gay characters. It's a choice, and it just so happens, that a lot of them don't want to do it.

[yazter]

Watch the disagrees when I say I agree.

I like characters I can relate with.

You guys would be surprised by the number of "straight" dudes who confessed they want to suck d1ck. Believe me, these homophobes are closet cases.

[carlingtat]

Having characters people can relate to is fine but when people question whether your sexist if you dont have a woman lead character or homophobe if you decide against having a gay character in your game is wrong. Dont force a creative developer to have something in their game just because its the politically correct thing to do.

[Makakal]

I assume you are referring to yourself....especially since you use the phrase "bouncing melons"? Wow, you must be gay or have never had a girl.

[Revvin]

We don't need artificial intervention to impose any race, religion or sexuality upon gamers. The games are really just reflecting society where homosexual couples are in the minority, it's not like we've never had homosexual characters or no reference to homosexuality. As a heterosexual I find some heterosexual scenes as being awkward and clumsily implemented. If the story dictates the need then fine but don't force a particular sexual orientation, sex, race or religion upon us. We have a political party here in the UK where all women nominations have been held for parliamentary places and it's wrong. I want to be represented by the best PERSON for the job based on the knowledge and experience not by their sex. This kind of positive discrimination doesn't do anyone any good and I don't particularly like this kind of lobbying on a games news site. I'm sure I'll be labelled a homophobe for disagreeing with the article and the person who submitted it, that's par for the course.

[Angeljuice]

I agree with you and don't think these things should be forced into a game for the sake of it. I don't think your statement is homophobic at all, you have no problem if it fits the context and plot of the game.

As for politicians its only right that you want to be represented by the best person for the job, I do also, and it makes no difference to me if that person is male, female, gay, straight or bi, just as long as they are the best person to fight for my interests and wellbeing.

[starscream420]

I will not buy a game that pushes homosexuality. If you are gay so be it. I have the god given right to disagree with that lifestyle. I treat homosexuals like I treat anyone else with respect. If you are a person who has different beliefs than I it doesn't make me stupid or racist ect.... When people feel they have to make comparisons to homosexuality to racism like it's the same thing now that is ignorant. We don't all have to view things the same way but we can agree(respectfully) to disagree. If your gay fine DO NOT expect me to tell you it's all good! At the same time I won't needlessly berate homos.

[Angeljuice]

I feel exactly the same way about religious nuts. Just because people don't have the moral/mental fortitude to decide what are correct behavioural choices for themselves and have to take orders from an imaginary entity, doesn't mean I should look down on them or treat them disrespectfully.

I'm aware that religion can help individuals to get through tough times and difficult situations, and there is an inherent need to feel like you have some influence and hope when there is none (via prayer etc). I also believe that some people can be positively changed by religion and that it can make some individuals become more decent people (even if it's based in fantasy).

At the same time I can never condone religion as in the bigger picture it is the most dangerous, murderous and evil influence on humanity and has been responsible for the loss of more innocent lives than any other catalyst in human history.

[SourShoes]

Please no token gay characters.

[Grave]

We need more Christian characters in video games.

[ElementX]

And lions ;)

[Groo]

We need gay people to stop being attention whores. I'm happy for you if you are gay and happy, you don't need tell everyone or show everyone why someone is gay and happy, or why people have to accept you for being gay and happy.. if you are good, kind and happy person people will accept you, if you try to make others, that you dont even know or care about to be honest, have to accept your preferences, then you are an attention whore with low selfasteem. You can't force people into acceptance, you show others that you are worth accepting..
Do people crave attention this bad?

[D3ATH_DRIV3R_777]

@Groo

Yes they do! like enough already, we get it, but nnnnnooooooooo!

[KonsoruMasuta]

Why are there no games where you can play as crippled midget?! I want to play as a crippled midget!

I'm going to whine and complain until I get what I want!!

[EdoubleD]

We need Muslim protagonists! We need trans gender protagonists! We need fat protagonists! etc.etc.

We need none of these things, let the game creator decide what kind of characters they want in their game. Fuck off with your political correctness and stop whoring gay people out.

We're at the point where we can't escape this bullshit.

[Nada Nuff]

Am I the only one wondering how a character's sexuality affects the game in any way? This article is trash.

[WatDoesTheStarFoxSay]

Mr. Ed was gay. There's my contribution to this conversation.