GLAAD adds video game category to its annual media awards

GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) has announced it will be honouring video games at its 30 annual GLAAD Media Awards, with a nod going to the title which the organisation feels has ‘excellent LGBTQ-inclusive content’.

GLAAD previously awarded Dragon Age: Inquisition for its LGBTQ representation, and has dabbled in and around other games. With the titles released in recent years offering more representation to those otherwise ignored by Macho Bro Shoots Foreigners IX, the decision by GLAAD seems a pretty straightforward one.

Zeke Stokes, VP of programs at GLAAD, told the Hollywood Reporter this is a move that makes sense to the organisation: “Seeing a lot of young people gravitate toward gaming as a primary or preferred source of entertainment is [a] factor,” he said, “The very baseline of it is a matter of numbers. If we’re working to make sure LGBTQ people are included in media, we can’t ignore the video gaming space, and it’s super evident the gaming industry is willing to make this step.”

He continued, expanding on GLAAD’s aims in paying more attention to the gaming space: “We want to make sure that we’re getting LGBTQ stories in the content and opportunities for the players to have some agency in the game. We’re helping to create an environment in the community where LGBT people are welcome. We want bullying to become a thing of the past.”

The 30 annual GLAAD Media Awards will be held in April of 2019.