Gay Characters in Video Games

It seems like there's been a big shift in the way video games address issues of sexuality.  Now, it's completely common to have gay characters in a game.  Games like Mass Effect 3 and Dragon Age:  Inquisition have broken the mold when it comes to gay characters in games.  BioWare seems to be one of the many game developers out there who strives to include characters who run the gamut of human sexuality.  The whole issue of sexuality and depicting it in gaming was discussed on PBS's "GameShow" and the episode was very interesting.

I think the inclusion of more gay and transgender characters in gaming is a good thing.  To me, video games should echo real-life (if the game is trying to be somewhat realistic) and in real-life there are people of different sexual orientations.  I agree with the fact that allowing players the options to see issues related to sexuality in a game is a great way to help people empathize with others who are gay and the struggles they go through.  Dorian, in Dragon Age:  Inquisition, is a great character.  His personal companion quest deals with his broken relationship with his family due to his sexuality.  His family has basically disowned him and you are given the choice of helping him reconcile with his father or to completely break ties.  In the quest where you confront his father at an inn you witness a very emotional exchange where Dorian describes how he has disappointed his family by not fulfilling his destined role--getting married, producing offspring to inherit the family magical abilities and pass them on (something very important in Tevinter).  Ugh.  Poor Dorian.

I also really enjoyed the inclusion of the Krem character in Dragon Age.  I don't think I've played any other game that has a transgender character.  The story about how Krem started passing as a man and all the struggles he faced were eye-opening.

It's nice to see some new perspectives in gaming.  Opening the doors to more gay and transgender characters is definitely a good thing for gaming.