Atari launches new LGBT game in Australia ahead of worldwide release

AN original mobile LGBTI game inspired by pride marches around the world was recently launched by Atari in Australia ahead of its worldwide launch.

Pridefest sees players work through missions as the mayor of a city that has lost all of its fun and colour overnight.

Atari chief executive Fred Chesnais said the game was inspired by the LGBTI community and aims to bring their colourful atmosphere and inclusive spirit to a game for the first time.

“Pridefest provides the first LGBT-focused game that represents a passionate cause,” he told the Star Observer.

“Pride parades are celebrated and widely loved events that bring this community together, and Pridefest is designed to emulate that sense of joy and fanfare year-round through a social-sim mobile game.

“The game also offers social features including in-game chat and club features, designed to encourage connection on a global scale.

“Our vision for Pridefest is that it can also become a means for isolated LGBT individuals lacking a supportive LGBT network to come together in a safe, welcoming, and fun atmosphere.”

The game will be available to download on iOS and Android and will be launched worldwide in the coming months.

Following the launch, Atari plans to update the game with the new features and explore other LGBT-inclusive opportunities based on feedback from fans.

Chesnais said the gaming landscape has changed in recent years around LGBT representation.

“The more awareness and visibility we see and hear on the topic of LGBT issues via any platform, be it through games, sports, music, or TV, helps promote tolerance and acceptance,” he said.

“There are more games now than ever that have an LGBT character or theme, and that demonstrates that the gaming landscape is moving in the right direction toward inclusion and acceptance.

“GaymerX [queer gaming convention] is in its third year now and growing, which speaks volumes to the number of gamers out there that are interested in playing games that include characters or themes specifically relevant and relatable to the LGBT community.”

Australia, New Zealand, and Canada will be used as testing ground for Pridefest before the game is introduced to other countries around the world.

Chesnais said Australia was a perfect fit to play the game first.

“These locations have historically shown outward support and enthusiasm for LGBT initiatives and celebrations, which made them a perfect fit for our test markets,” he said.

Download Pridefest for Android devices here, or download Pridefest on iOS here.