GLAAD awards introduces its first video game category

News by Marshall Lemon Contributor

Published on Sept. 28, 2018

The GLAAD Media Awards has introduced The Outstanding Video Game Award for titles that feature "outstanding LGBTQ-inclusive content".

The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, or GLAAD, is accepting nominations for a new video game award category - a first in 30 years of its Media Awards. This award will be presented alongside categories in film, television, journalism, music, and even comic books.

The Outstanding Video Game Award will be presented to a tile which represents "authentic and impactful LGBTQ characters or storylines". Judges will take into account how LGBTQ-content is incorporated into gameplay, player agency, and the game world itself. Nominated titles must be published during 2018, unless they "contain substantial new first-party content" - aka DLC - that was released this year. (Thanks Polygon.)

In terms of Triple-A contenders, Assassin's Creed Odyssey could have a shot by allowing for same-sex relationships. Polygon does note however, that Odyssey might not be eligible since LGBTQ themes aren't central to its story. The Last of Us: Part 2 could have a shot when it launches in 2019 thanks to having Ellie as its protagonist. And that's not even getting into indie games.