While LGBTQ+ organizations may occasionally focus on video games, like with the GLAAD Media Awards, there has yet to be a whole awards show focused on the LGBTQ+ community in video games. The inaugural Gayming Awards premiered today, and revealed the winners across nine different gaming categories, from a group of 50 nominees.
The Gayming Awards is presented by Gayming Magazine, a UK-based magazine that focuses on the LGBTQ+ community in video games. With 2020 being one of the biggest years for LGBTQ+ representation in video games, the show aims to celebrate developers, streamers, and other artists in the video game world dedicated to inclusion. The show received some big-name sponsors as well, with the show itself being sponsored by EA Games, and other companies such as Xbox, PlayStation, and Twitch sponsoring certain categories.
Gamers will recognize many of the titles nominated, as games like Hades, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and The Last of Us Part 2 have made an appearance in many awards shows already. For those that didn't have a chance to watch The Gayming Awards 2021, here are all the nominees and winners.
Gayming Awards 2021 Winners
Game of the Year - Sponsored by EA Games
Animal Crossing
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Hades (WINNER)
Tell Me Why
Gayming Magazine Readers Award - Sponsored by PlayStation
Animal Crossing
Baldur’s Gate 3
Crusader Kings III
Final Fantasy VII Remake
Hades (WINNER)
If Found…
Kentucky Route Zero Act V
Paradise Killer
Tell Me Why
The Last of Us Part II
Best LGBTQ Indie Game - Sponsored by Xbox
A Summer’s End
Ace in Space
Errant Kingdom
If Found… (WINNER)
Ikenfell
Murder by Numbers
LGBTQ Streamer of the Year - Sponsored by Twitch
BiggusBennus
BiqtchPuddin
CypherOfTyr
DEERE (WINNER)
Eevolicious
FoxQueen
IamBrandon
J0hnJ0hnn
LittleLegsTV
MermaidQueenJude
MeteorMatt
MiaByte
Psyche
QueerGod
Authentic Representation Award - Sponsored by Green Man Gaming
Hades
Later Daters
Tell Me Why (WINNER)
The Last of Us Part II
Best LGBTQ Character - Sponsored by Rocksteady Studios
Andrea Rhodea – Final Fantasy VII Remake
Ellie – The Last of Us Part 2
Sir Hammerlock & Wainwright Jakobs – Borderlands 3: Guns, Love & Tentacles
Tyler Ronan – Tell Me Why (WINNER)
Best LGBTQ Narrative - Sponsored by Hangar 13
Borderlands 3: Guns, Love & Tentacles
If Found… (WINNER)
Tell Me Why
The Last of Us Part II
Industry Diversity Award - Sponsored by Square Enix
I Need Diverse Games (WINNER)
Rainbow Arcade
Rainbow Game Jam
Ukie: The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment
The Gayming Awards opened with a hilarious act from stand-up comedian Suzi Ruffell, who went on the host the show. Game developer Robert Yang was also presented with the Gayming Icon Award for his work across several games that sparked important conversations. Presenters and representatives for the category winners gave inspiring comments throughout the show and spoke to some much-needed progress in the gaming industry.
Congratulations are in order for all the winners. Many leaders in the gaming industry support representation in all its forms, and it's great to see a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in this area. It will be interesting to see what 2021 games end up nominated at next year's show.
Source: GaymingMag