5 Best LGBTQ+ Video Games in 2022

There's no denying the fact that the LGBTQ community has traversed and conquered some of the greatest trials and tribulations in order to reach the point it stands at today. And without the likes of public figures, television personalities, and video game characters there to open the door and enlighten its curators, it never would have ascended to such a remarkable feat, to begin with, and that honestly calls for celebration in itself.

Of course, for each new milestone the community surpasses, a new wave of fresh-faced torchbearers step forth to inspire its followers. And if you want to talk about video game leads that have made a sufficient amount of contributions towards the fold, then we can only pay our two cents by praising these following five LGBTQ-friendly titles.

5. Tell Me Why

Tell Me Why pays its respects to the trans community remarkably well, and was originally noted for being the first triple-A game to introduce a transgender character as its protagonist. Although not based entirely around his transition, Tyler, one of the twins in the story, does use its complex history as grounds to explore a number of talking points, many of which are enlightening to players who lack the knowledge and perspective.

Tell Me Why follows the two siblings as they return to a rural Alaskan town in search of clues behind their mother's death. The thing that binds the two together, however, lies not with the twinship, but with the telekinetic abilities the two share that allow them to speak with one another. Together, the two use their supernatural powers to overcome a number of obstacles as they unravel a nexus of mysteries.

4. Life is Strange: Before the Storm

Life is Strange is known for producing some of the most memorable and emotionally engaging love stories in the industry. Although relatively bite-sized in the first chapter, Before the Storm made up for it by telling a beautiful tale between two unlikely female townies, Chloe and Rachel, over a short but gripping episodic memory.

Before the Storm opens the book on Chloe Price, a known rebel with a knack for unearthing trouble in all the wrong places. Joint at the hip with her supposedly polar opposite classmate, the tale unravels as the two explore their feelings for one another and the consequences that come with venturing to such a place.

3. The Last of Us: Left Behind

The Last of Us didn't really narrow its focus on relationships outside of Joel and Ellie's; it was the talking point of the first chapter, and rightfully so. But, a twist we didn't really see coming was the one that took place in the DLC Left Behind, a short but interactive tale between Ellie and Riley, two natural survivors with a soulistic connection.

Over a relatively short tale, players can explore an abandoned mall as Ellie as she retells her happiest memories with her first love, Riley. Through a mixture of cinematics and gameplay snippets, a full canvas is produced, giving paint to an otherwise dark and gloomy post-apocalyptic snapshot. It fleshes out and adds detail to one of the most compelling female leads in video game history. And so, it's a tale well worth listening to, especially if you have a few hours to spare.

2. Gone Home

Gone Home is a story-driven walking simulator that gives you the opportunity to explore an open manor in search of clues that explain your sister's whereabouts. By interacting with a number of household objects and keepsakes, you'll have the chance to immerse in a hearty tale of love and mystery, one that delves into the world of two unlikely lovers, Samantha and Lonnie.

Through a number of heartfelt letters and trinkets, a perfectly scripted narrative strings together to give you a complete picture. It's a mystery on its outer layer, but a joyous romance at its core, and it plays off surprisingly well given its lack of gameplay and context. But, as far as compelling love stories go, it is perhaps one of the best on the market, and a bastion of pride for the LGBTQ community and all its followers.

1. The Sims 4

EA Maxis has always been one to wear its heart on its sleeve, as proven countless times through its Sims entries on both consoles and PC. Not a great deal has changed in the twenty or so years it has been on the block, to be fair. Though, if anything, the series has fully embraced its love for the LGBTQ community, which has only developed into a snowball of respect and admiration.

As with any sandbox game that involves friendship trees, players can take their Sims down any path they desire, meaning there's always a relationship to be had and a love story to be forged, be it gay, straight, or intergalactic. That's the beauty of The Sims, and we honestly couldn't praise Maxis enough for going through all the motions to incorporate the LGBTQ world in all its glory.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five LGBTQ entries? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.