Análise de representatividade LGBT+ em League of Legends

Abstract

The game League of Legends, a popular MOBA (Multiplayers Onlines Battle Arena) released in 2009, remains one of the most played around the world. In recent years, Riot Games, the company responsible for the game, has shown more active support for the LGBT+ movement. This includes participation in the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, as well as the introduction of graphic content that represents support for the movement since 2018. This work aims to analyze how the company deals with LGBT+ representation in its game and in the universe created for it, especially in relation to characters and other content. In this study, an analysis of the historical context of the LGBT+ movement was also carried out, considering other forms of representation in games in the past and present. Riot Games’ actions regarding characters and cosmetics were examined, as well as the creation processes involved. In addition, a significant part of the review was devoted to two main characters: Vi and K’Sante. Their stories, art images, in-game lines and available literature about them were studied. The representation of these characters was evaluated for its inclusion of representative elements of the LGBT+ community. The results considered that the representativeness applied in League of Legends is relevant for the promotion of themes that dialogue with the reality of the LGBT+ community. The inclusion of representative elements seeks to educate players about diversity, sexuality and gender issues in an impactful way, directly or indirectly. This approach is important for bringing relevant cultural issues to the fore and promoting awareness of diversity.