Happy Pride from Cloudhead Games
- reneeklint
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
When it comes to storytelling, games are truly in a league of their own. Player interaction and embodiment can have us instantly woven deep into a story, a world, or the heart of a character, and the narrative threads that we unfold as we play can stick with us long after we put the controller down.
This is just one of the many reasons that LGTBQIA2S+ games are so important. They empower queer devs to tell their own stories, but also invite queer players to play as themselves in a way that other entertainment mediums don’t. And you don’t have to fly a specific flag to enjoy them! Sometimes, stepping into someone else’s (digital) shoes is the best way to learn something special about them, and find new understanding.
In celebration of this year’s Pride, we’re excited to share just a few of our favourite games that either celebrate queerness, are made by members of the LGTBQIA2S+ community, or both! As an added bonus, most of these were developed right here in Canada.
And that’s not the only way we’re marking the occasion. This year, we’re more grateful than ever for LGBTQIA2S+ rights here in Canada, and that’s something we want to pay forward. That’s why we’ve chosen to donate $1,000 to Rainbow Railroad. This non-profit organisation helps queer people escape countries where their identity could put them at risk for a prison sentence, death penalty, or worse—we’re proud to support their mission, and invite you to learn more about their work at www.rainbowrailroad.org
And without further ado, let's take a look at our LGBTQIA2S+ game recommendations!
Celeste (2018)
Developed and published by Maddy Makes Games Inc.
Rated Everyone (10+)
Help Madeline survive her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain in this super-tight, hand-crafted platformer from the creators of TowerFall.
Dream Daddy (2017)
Developed and published by Game Grumps
Rated Teen
A Dad Dating Simulator is a game where you play as a Dad and your goal is to meet and romance other hot Dads. Are you ready? Hi ready, I'm Dad.
I Was A Teenage Exocolonist (2022)
Developed by Northway Games, published by Finji
Rated Teen
Growing up in humanity’s first extrasolar space colony means navigating a new world full of wonder, danger, and beauty. Explore the wilderness, study, fall in love, discover strange creatures, and deal with the consequences of your actions.
Ikenfell (2020)
Developed by Happy Ray Games, published by Humble Games
Rated Teen
A turn-based tactical RPG about a group of troublesome magic students. Use timing mechanics to power your spells and block attacks, explore the twisted halls of a vast magic school, fight challenging monsters and bosses, and uncover dark secrets never meant to be found.
Thirsty Suitors (2023)
Developed by Outerloop Games, published by Annapurna Interactive
Rated Teen
Thirsty Suitors is a surreal story-driven game which throws turn-based RPG battles, skating and over-the-top cooking mechanics together in a spicy fusion! This isn't a dating sim - it's a breakup simulator. Battle your exes. Disappoint your parents. Find yourself.
Boyfriend Dungeon (2021)
Developed and published by Kitfox Games
Rated Teen
Date your weapons! Romance swords, daggers, and polearms to level them up in this “shack-and-slash” dungeon crawling adventure.
Gone Home (2013)
Developed and published by Fullbright
Rated Mature (17+)
June 7th, 1995. 1:15 AM. You arrive home after a year abroad. You expect your family to greet you, but the house is empty. Something's not right. Where is everyone? And what's happened here? Unravel the mystery for yourself in Gone Home, a story exploration game from The Fullbright Company.
Have you given these a play before? Or maybe you have your own suggestion to add to the list? Give us a shout over at Twitter or Discord! Happy Pride, everyone!
