Out.com has posted an article about a recent study done by Nielsen that shows that 10% of participants identify as LGBT, that queer gamers spend more money on gaming than their straight counterparts, and that console gaming is the avenue of choice, among other things.
Some highlights:
LGBT gamers, according to the survey, also gravitate towards fighting, horror, RPGs, and simulation games.
I'd also just like to point out the obvious, that the number is assuredly higher than 10%, and if not for the stigma and threats to the safety of the LGBT community, the survey would of reflected that. (Even in anonymous surveys, many LGBT individuals are afraid of revealing themselves for fear of negative repercussions.)
So this is yet another reason why gaming corporations and media need to stop ignoring queer players, and our vital place and contributions to the gaming medium. More queer content! More queer people in development positions! More queer consideration in all aspects of gaming! No more excuses, no more being told to "wait our turn", or that we're "too niche" to be be appealed to. If you're a straight ally, then make sure you do your part to listen to, and advocate for, your LGBT friends and family!
Some highlights:
This year's Nielsen Games 360 Survey shows that 10% of all gamers over the age of 18 identify as LGBTQ+. Of the 2,000 LGBTQ+ people over the age of 13 surveyed, 40% identify as gay or lesbian, 50% identify as bisexual, and 10% identify as transgender or non-binary.
Neilsen's self-reported survey found that LGBTQ+ gamers spend 8% more a month on games than their straight counterparts, at an average of $16.01 versus $14.78.
Their findings also found that LGBTQ+ folks are more likely to be console owners (77%) than gaming PC owners (29%), they prefer to play on consoles (51%) verses mobile games (13%), and that 38% of LGBTQ+ gamers prefer Playstation, 22% prefer XBOX, and 19% prefer Nintendo consoles.
"The survey really shows us that there is a thriving sub-community within the extensive world of gaming that has a voice and impact on the industry at-large," a Nielsen representative tells Out. "LGBTQ+ gamers are active gamers - though this shouldn't be surprising, as LGBTQ+ consumers are very active consumers of media and tend to be on the cutting edge of most media trends."
LGBT gamers, according to the survey, also gravitate towards fighting, horror, RPGs, and simulation games.
I'd also just like to point out the obvious, that the number is assuredly higher than 10%, and if not for the stigma and threats to the safety of the LGBT community, the survey would of reflected that. (Even in anonymous surveys, many LGBT individuals are afraid of revealing themselves for fear of negative repercussions.)
So this is yet another reason why gaming corporations and media need to stop ignoring queer players, and our vital place and contributions to the gaming medium. More queer content! More queer people in development positions! More queer consideration in all aspects of gaming! No more excuses, no more being told to "wait our turn", or that we're "too niche" to be be appealed to. If you're a straight ally, then make sure you do your part to listen to, and advocate for, your LGBT friends and family!