After winning Game of the Year at last year’s Game Awards, LGBTQ+-inclusive game Baldur’s Gate 3 is still earning praise for its innovative storytelling and gameplay. Most recently, its queer voice actor Jennifer English is getting recognition for her character work, and in turn, she’s recognized the LGBTQ+ fans supporting the game’s success.
On Thursday, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) announced its 2024 Breakthrough cohort — a group of up-and-coming creatives across the UK, US and India. Jennifer English was recognized for her performance as Shadowheart in Baldur’s Gate 3, as well as her past work in games like Elden Ring and Divinity: Original Sin II.
“I want to be part of a creative generation that fights for change, that fights for inclusivity, for collaboration, that really makes a difference… Because there’s more inclusivity to be had and there’s plenty of untapped potential there,” English said.
“We need to fight for that and push for that,” she continued. “I want to be part of a generation of creatives that in 50 years’ time people thank for paving the way.”
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In a follow-up interview with PinkNews, English was more specific on the kind of impact Baldur’s Gate 3 had. “People have told me that [Baldur’s Gate 3] has given them the chance to explore parts of themselves that they weren’t able to explore before and that’s been magical,” she said.
Baldur’s Gate 3, which features a malleable story in the vein of Dungeons & Dragons, includes a multitude of queer romance options and storylines. In addition, the game boasts a robust character creator, allowing players to choose their protagonist’s gender identity (male, female, nonbinary/other), voice, and even genitals.
That effort has led to a passionate queer fanbase. “You don’t know what you’re going to get from a community until the game is out there,” English said. “You don’t know who is going to play this game. I’ve been wonderfully in love with this incredibly queer [fan base], like it is so queer, especially with fans of Shadowheart.”
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“I can’t speak for other [Baldur’s Gate 3 actors] but the people [who] come and meet me at conventions are overwhelmingly queer or allies. It’s such an inclusive community, it’s created something very special,” she added. “We’ve had people make friendship groups, fall in love, and become part of something. I’m just so proud.”
Now, Baldur’s Gate 3 is far more than a niche property; it’s an acclaimed video game. And it accomplished this while embracing queer stories. “I think [Baldur’s Gate 3’s] legacy is going to be huge,” English said. “What’s so special about it is that everyone I know who worked on it was so passionate about it.”
“And [game development studio] Larian put their hearts and souls into it. They care so much about the integrity of it and the importance of the storytelling,” she continued. “Hopefully, that paves the way for other games and how people view games as this important piece of art. It’s not all pew, pew, pew.”
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