Yesterday, GLAAD shared its nominations for 2021 and we’re proud to announce that Far Cry 6 and Rainbow Six Siege were nominated in the Outstanding Video Game category!
“The diversity of our teams has been critical to making authentic, creative, and innovative games, like Far Cry 6 and Rainbow 6 Siege. We’re proud to be recognized by GLAAD for the portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in both these games. Diversity and inclusion have been core to our studios’ success. It’s important to continue creating an environment where our employees feel comfortable and safe bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to our games so we can continue to show leadership in representation.” – Erin Roach, Inclusion & Diversity Director for the Canadian Studios
Narrative director Navid Khavari led the team that penned Paolo de la Vega and Rosa Mel Paquete in Far Cry 6. Paolo is a former cadet turned DJ that takes a leading role in the revolution all while fighting against trans prejudice. Rosa Mel, on the other hand, is the drag queen persona of Gilberto Rosario, the revolution’s vibrant and strategic spymaster.
“A lot of care was taken to ensure the LGBTQ+ representation in Far Cry 6 did justice to the people and issues the game reflected. This was truly a communal effort. Xavier Lopez and Selena Vyle, who played Paolo De La Vega and Rosa Mel Paquete respectively, were crucial in ensuring their characters were fully realized. We also worked closely with members of the LGTBQ+ Employee Resource Group at Ubisoft Toronto and members of the Far Cry 6 team, who are part of the LGTBQ+ community, as well as our external consultants for feedback on the scripts and storylines. There were so many people – both within and outside of Ubisoft – who were generous with their time, providing vital feedback to make sure these characters resonated in an honest and truthful way. Our story is a reflection of their passion and dedication. We’re very honoured to receive this nomination from GLAAD.” – Navid Khavari
Scriptwriter Simon Ducharme worked on both Flores and Osa from Rainbow Six Siege. A master thief that stole from criminal kingpins to give to impoverished communities, Flores is the first out LGBTQ operator in Rainbow Six. The franchise’s first trans character, Osa, is a tech genius, Nighthaven’s director of Research and Development, and a trained field agent.
Creating playable LGBTQ+ characters like Flores and Osa is, for me, a promise that as queer people we don’t have to be confined to the background or the supporting cast. This nomination means that we are doing the work that needs to be done today, so tomorrow’s gamers don’t have to worry about being seen. – Simon Ducharme
As the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, GLAAD honors media for fair, accurate, and inclusive representations of LGBTQ people and issues. Since its inception in 1990, the GLAAD Media Awards have grown to be the most visible annual LGBTQ awards show in the world, sending powerful messages of acceptance to audiences globally.
Congratulations to the teams working on these productions around the world. You’re making us all proud!
