Bioware have always been adamant about portraying a diverse array of characters in its games, and the studio has been recognized for its LGBT characters in Dragon Age Inquisition by GLAAD.
GLAAD, or the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, is a U.S.-based organization that monitors the media’s portrayal of the LGBT community. Every year, the organization hosts the GLAAD Media Awards, which honors members of the media and arts across all spectrums for their contributions to the LGBT community.
Bioware is one such member, and are due to receive a Special Recognition award for “the many complex and unique LGBT characters prominently integrated throughout [Dragon Age Inquisition].” The Special Recognition award is necessary as GLAAD, despite its mantra of inclusiveness, does not currently have a category for videogames.
Although Bioware have put out games with LGBT characters in the past, such as the first two Dragon Age games and Mass Effect 3, Dragon Age Inquisition introduces the studio’s most inclusive range of cast members yet. These include Dorian, the first Bioware RPG party member who is openly gay, Krem, a transgendered male soldier, and Sera, an elven archer who is also a lesbian. There’s also Iron Bull, a Qunari warrior who is pansexual, meaning he is capable of being in love with anyone, regardless of their gender and orientation.
In response to this news, Bioware told Polygon that they are “proud and happy.”
This year’s 26th Annual GLAAD Media Awards will be held on March 21 in Los Angeles and May 9 in New York.