Dead By Daylight: A Horror Game Turned Beloved LGBTQ+ Haven
When Dead By Daylight first launched, players were terrified of its titular antagonist. The asymmetrical multiplayer game pits one player as a killer against the rest who play as survivors trying to escape. The game offered a thrilling but anxiety-inducing experience. However, over time, fears were assuaged by the friendly faces and welcoming community found within the game's lobbies.
Dead By Daylight is not the only multiplayer game that has found success among LGBTQ+ players, but its inclusive nature and diverse character options have resonated with members of the community. Many players have found their home in Dead By Daylight, inspiring thoughts about the positive impact a game can have when it embraces diversity, representation, and actively engages with its LGBTQ+ audience.
The Importance of Queer Representation
Dead By Daylight's success with LGBTQ+ gamers is attributed to its representation of queer characters, including openly gay survivors like Adam Francis and Kate Denson. LGBTQ+ players have long been underrepresented in video games, often relegated to supporting or background roles. This is particularly true in Horror games, which have been lacking in diversity.
Dead By Daylight's acceptance of queer characters gives LGBTQ+ players characters they can identify with. It has also fostered a more inclusive and accepting environment within the game's community, providing a home for those who have often felt ostracized by other gamers.
In addition, Dead By Daylight has collaborated with LGBTQ+ influencers and content creators, who stream the game and engage with their audience in a positive and supportive manner. Drag queens, in particular, have found a platform in Dead By Daylight to showcase their talents and connect with fans. The drag community's involvement has brought a unique and vibrant energy to the streaming scene, attracting more LGBTQ+ players and viewers.
On the development side, Dead By Daylight's creators actively listen to feedback from the LGBTQ+ community and make efforts to address concerns and create a safe space for all players. They have implemented features like the Pride Charm, which players can equip to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community. Dead By Daylight also uses in-game radios to broadcast events and parties specifically geared toward LGBTQ+ players.
As Dead By Daylight continues to evolve and expand its content, its LGBTQ+ following is expected to grow stronger. This solidifies Dead By Daylight's place as a beloved game within the community. Its journey from a horror game to a beloved LGBTQ+ haven is a testament to the power of gaming as a platform for inclusivity, connection, and self-expression.
Featured image via Dead By Daylight/Warner Bros. Interactive
