Mary Elizabeth Mc Grath
This study aims to investigate whether or not the video game Baldur’s Gate 3 can act as a safe space for true self exploration and expression for queer individuals, and what the real world outcomes, if any, of this are for queer individuals. The study adopts the theoretical framework of Winnicott’s (1965) ‘True Self’ to explore the topic. This study took a qualitative mixed methods approach to data collection. Data was gathered from players of Baldur’s Gate 3 via anonymous qualitative survey, and a close reading of Baldur’s Gate 3 was conducted. A reflexive thematic analysis was carried out on the data.
This study aims to investigate whether or not the video game Baldur’s Gate 3 can act as a safe space for true self exploration and expression for queer individuals, and what the real world outcomes, if any, of this are for queer individuals.
The study found that the queernormativity of the game setting, i.e. the absence of and resistance against heteronormativity in the game setting and narrative, and the freedom of choice afforded to players was key to their ability to explore and express their true selves in the game. These experiences were found to have positive real world outcomes for some players in terms of helping them understand, affirm and feel more comfortable in their sexuality. Some negative findings were also uncovered, such as that players felt the body types and face options were limiting and that the queernormativity of the game setting made them feel wistful for these things in the real world. Data-based recommendations have been provided in this study for game developers and psychologists moving forward.
