10 Gay Video Games for Gaymers and Playboys

Video games have come a long way in a short while. Classics like Pokémon and Sonic the Hedgehog are still widely beloved, but modern developers are pushing the bounds of the medium with powerful interactive narratives. Games with emotional storylines and complex characters smash records and start conversations. And in their efforts to encapsulate the breadth of the human experience, many of them now include explicitly queer stories.

(Although Pokémon and Sonic were always gay-coded if furry comic artists are to be believed.)

Gaymers are eating good lately, but it takes something special to stand out. Remember the rush you felt the first time you made your two male Sims kiss and move in together? We curated a list of LGBTQ games that evoke that same feeling. So get ready to fall in love with gaming (and possibly a dashing vampire) all over again.

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The 10 best gay video games out there

Can’t get enough queerness IRL? Maybe you need to do some role-playing (not that kind!). In fact, over 20% of Grindr users named gaming as their  top way to pass the time. Check out our list of the best gay games to discover interactive LGBTQ media that ranges from horny to heartbreaking.

1. The Last of Us (series)

The Last of Us is among the most successful series in video game history. And now, thanks to the HBO adaptation, the story has been introduced to those who don’t fancy themselves button mashers. The Last of Us Part I featured a gay supporting character and revealed protagonist Ellie to be queer in its DLC. Part II integrated a sapphic storyline throughout its narrative.

But you know what’s even better than these LGBTQ storylines just existing? They’re good. They don’t phone in the depth and character development; it’s a central part of the game and just one reason you must play this multimedia marvel (and honestly? Watch the show).

2. Baldur’s Gate 3

Not to be outdone by the popularity (and undeniable queerness) of The Last of Us, enter Baldur’s Gate 3 — easily one of the most lauded and applauded role-playing games of all time. If you haven’t played BG3 and you love RPGs, stop what you’re doing right now. Take three months off of work and become obsessed with the game. You’ll love exploring the rich world of Dungeons & Dragons (and exploring the bodies of your various companions via full-nudity sex scenes).

Baldur’s Gate 3 presents a stunning landscape, offering unrestricted exploration and diverging story paths that provide a one-of-a-kind playthrough every time. But let’s be honest: As fun as the gameplay is, the romance and sex scenes are part of why people pick up this masterpiece. And we certainly won’t judge, either — as long as you pick Astarion (thank us later, goth gaymers).

3. Hades (series)

Hades is another smash hit that made waves with its incredible art style and highly addictive gameplay that’s equal parts punishing and rewarding. But the crown jewel of this Greek mythology-inspired game was the sexy, bisexual son of Hades himself, Zagreus. He’s easily one of the hottest gay characters in video games, rivaled only by his brooding boyfriend-to-be, Thanatos.

There was no shortage of queer overtones in the first game, and you better believe developer Supergiant Games knew they had to deliver in the second. Hades 2 doesn’t revolve around Zagreus, but rather his bisexual-bob-sporting sister, Melinoë. The game is still in early access, and we have yet to see any romance options (queer or otherwise), but they’re bound to add them eventually. In the meantime, the beloved indie franchise keeps the flirty energy flowing by making everyone mouth-wateringly hot.‍

4. The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood

The Cosmic Wheel Sisterhood plays almost like you’re enjoying a good book. This narrative game follows the adventures of Fortuna, an adorable witch who’s rebuilding a tarot deck — one you get to design. If that description isn’t gay enough for you already, the game sees you shepherd its all-female cast through queer, witchy problems with your divine deck. 

It’s one of the few queer games that tackles concepts like gender dysphoria in a way that doesn’t feel overwrought or trauma-centric. Toss in soothing music and an adorable art style, and you have a charming game for lesbians and gays who like a little toil and trouble in their cauldrons.

5. Stray Gods

It’s tough to out-gay Stray Gods. Sure, there’s a queer protagonist and a modern-age twist on Greek gods, but that’s not what makes this title the LGB-Tea. It’s also a musical, complete with original music and unforgettable singing and voice acting. 

As you go around solving the game’s mystery, your decisions change the lyrics and style of music you get. Theater gays, take heart: You finally have something to play that’ll tickle your ivories.

6. Thirsty Suitors

Thirsty Suitors revolves around Jala, a queer woman who’s returning home and facing her past head-on. Gameplay features an eclectic grab bag of various genres — everything from turn-based battles to cooking mini-games. 

Annapurna, the game publisher, is an indie game studio that highlights underrepresented cultures and themes, so you know they deliver an authentic and well-told story through Jala’s eyes. And what could be more gay-lady-adjacent than confronting your exes on a skateboard? It’s a queer indie delight that infuses the beloved Scott Pilgrim vs. the World formula with LGBTQ and BIPOC representation.

7. Life Is Strange (series)

Life Is Strange departs from what most “normies” (non-derogatory) consider a game and acts more like a visual novel or even an immersive movie. Square Enix’s incredibly successful franchise takes on complex, often exceedingly dark themes about life and love.

So, pray tell, what demographic do you know that would positively eat this ish up? That’s right: the gays! Through its complex web of decisions, the series gives you plenty of opportunities to keep things queer AF or stay on the straight and narrow. All your choices have far-reaching impacts, so think carefully before you lean in for a kiss with that dreamy bad boy.

8. Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age is another beloved RPG series that gives you the freedom to traverse a high-fantasy landscape and become the hero everyone turns to. Fortunately for those of us in our ho era, it also gives you the freedom to mack on anyone who blinks at you.

Well, sort of. Unlike other fantasy games that double as dating sims, Dragon Age: Inquisition characters have romantic preferences beyond “player-sexual.” If your character’s gender doesn’t align with their sexuality, romance isn’t an option.

But if it does? Prepare for some freaky-deaky sex senes opposite a giant demon daddy with a gruff, commanding presence and incredible wit. If you already played this game and didn’t romance Iron Bull the first time, we recommend revisiting Dragon Age for research purposes.

9. Newfound Courage

If you’ve been paying close attention to this list (or the video games industry in general), you’ve probably noticed that it’s tragically bereft of stories about gay men. Don’t get us wrong; we love bi baddies, queer women, and pansexual date-a-thons, but where’s the gay rep?

Indie games, of course! You might have to go off the beaten path to find heartfelt gay writing, but it’s certainly worthwhile to discover gay games online.

Newfound Courage fits the bill perfectly. This cute, pixelated adventure game follows Alex as he explores a fantasy world, solves mysteries, and falls in love with his best friend. The plot captures many relatably bitter-sweet experiences for gay men as they come of age, with combat and engaging puzzles to boot.

10. Dream Daddy

Dream Daddy is one hell of a name for a video game, but once you spend even an hour in the world, you’ll realize there’s nothing else you could call it. It’s literally a dad-dating simulator.

You play as a dad who stands out among other single dads on the block. Everyone wants you to put your legs in the air just because you brought coleslaw to the barbecue. This game presents an erotic scenario so unlikely even porn directors would scoff at the script.

But the trick with Dream Daddy is that so much of the dialogue — while often hammy and odd — is so undeniably charming and thoughtful that you’ll wish this dream full of daddies was a reality. All that’s missing are some explicit sex scenes with these virile neighborhood hunks (something the internet has supplemented in spades). 

Flick your joystick with a friend on Grindr

There are many excellent games with LGBTQ themes, whether overt, implied, sexual, romantic, or just plain fun. Industry trends continue to move in that direction, which is fantastic news for anyone who likes media that showcases characters from every walk of life.

And honestly, many of these gay video games will get you in the mood to mash your X button.

Are you looking for your Player 2? Grindr is the place to meet like-minded gaymers who want to play Dead By Daylight and chill. By the end of the night, they’ll have you sounding just like Leon Kennedy. Download the Grindr app today and level up your love life.