2023 looks to be chock-a-block with LGBTQ+ representation in gaming. In this article, we’re taking a look at some queer positive games we’re heckin excited for this year.
Janet DeMornay Is A Slumlord (and a witch)
The name alone makes it a contender for game of the year, as far as we’re concerned. Like the title implies, it is true! Janet DeMornay is a slumlord, and unfortunately, she’s also a witch. Information that comes too late for our main characters and Janet’s victims tenants, a gaggle of queers.
JDM is a first-person, story-driven horror comedy with puzzles. In which we follow the members of a queer share-house as they try to escape their home alongside Janet’s increasingly physical hauntings and possessions.
Developers Fuzzy Ghost describe JDM as being about landlord overreach, about a system built by landlords for landlords, and about being queer and having a found family. Additionally, Fuzzy Ghost provided probably the best game mood board we’ve ever seen:
Here’s a moodboard
Tone – 80s classics Beetlejuice and Poltergeist via The Real Housewives of Sydney.
Look – stop-motion horror of Henry Selick (Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline) and a little bit of Junji Ito if he got into paper mache. Content warning – body horror.
Queer – There’s gay-on-gay relationship content. With no homophobia or coming out stories. JSYK, we don’t write sad endings for our queers. Let 👏 our 👏 queers 👏 be 👏 happy 👏, being haunted and cursed and doomed is fine.
Janet DeMornay Is A Slumlord (and a Witch) is set to release later this year on Steam. If you can’t wait till then, you can check out some of developers’ other games Queer Man Peering Into A Rock Pool.jpg, and Pebble Witch.
Hades II
Announced at the end of 2022 during The Game Awards, with any luck, Hades II will be just as queer as the first game. Sadly, I’ll have to say goodbye to the loves of my life Zagerus and Thanatos <3 The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the incredible success of Hades and introduces a new protagonist and Princess of the Underworld, Melinoë.
Hades II will see us explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, taking on the the Titan of Time’s forces? We’ll be able to infuse our legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick as we battle beyond the underworld, becoming stronger with each run.
This sequel looks to be shaping up into another classic Supergiant Games gem. Poised to take on their unique rich, atmospheric presentation and incredible storytelling style alongside an awe-inspiring soundtrack and artistic style. We cannot wait for Hades II! However, we’re not sure how long we’ll have to wait with the release date on Steam currently TBD.
“Like its predecessor, Hades II will be available in Early Access here on Steam for some time leading up to its full v1.0 launch.”
Here’s Everything from The Game Awards We’re Excited About
Desta: The Memories Between (Dream Team Edition)
On the way in just under two months, Desta: The Memories Between, is one to definitely be excited about! From UK studio ustwo games, Desta is a narrative tactics game where you’ll need to grab your emotionally-charged ball, track your opponent’s strategy, shoot your best shot, and get into the heart of the conversation.
In this game, each night, our protagonist Desta falls into a mysterious dreamworld, filled with memories of regret, relationships, and locations past. Desta will become more attuned to this surreal world as the game progresses, discovering new ways to win and meet powerful friends.
Desta: The Memories Between is centered around themes of self-reflection, mental health, anxiety, loss of parental figures, and gender identity.
We won’t have to wait too long to explore Desta’s mysterious dream world. Desta: The Memories Between is set to launch on the 26th of April, 2023, on Steam.
Video Game Representation Why It Matters
Beloved Rapture
Inspired by SNES classics, Beloved Rapture is a mid-length RPG that focuses on storytelling instead of filler side-quests. Featuring a mature narrative that explores trauma, friendship, and LGBT themes, Beloved Rapture is not to be missed.
Focusing on story, this game sees interpersonal stories take center stage. We’ll need to not only face the next dungeon boss but ourselves and our own demons. Featuring turn-based combat, a complete 16-bit original soundtrack, and SNES-inspired pixel art, it is easy to fall in love with this game.
We play as introverted Johan, a young man from the countryside. Suddenly thrown into a conflict beyond our comprehension. We’ll need to contemplate the role we’re now destined to play in this escalating conflict. By our side is Aiden, a mysterious son of a banished warrior, who has trained in the mystic arts since childhood; and Crysta, a runaway noblewoman seeking to end this war before it reaches her family.
Throughout the game, Johan will need to confront the ghosts of his family trauma, his sexuality, and his demons. Beloved Rapture has a planned release date of sometime this year. However, you can check out a demo of the game now on Steam.
Five LGBTQ+ Inclusive Games We Love
Did we miss the game you’re excited for?
We’re only two months into 2023, and there have already been a huge number of queer-positive games launched and announced. Make sure to let us know any games you’re excited for this year.
- 6 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
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