Everyone has that one friend who is down for anything - except, apparently, playing a gay game. Maybe he thinks it’s not his thing, but let’s be real, he's done weirder things after a few drinks. Maybe he's worried about what others will say, as if his search history isn’t already full of questionable content. Maybe he just hasn't been asked the right way, and you’re about to be very persuasive.
Pick the Right Game
Not all gay games are created equal, just like not all straight guys are completely straight. Some are more story-driven, others focus on relationships, and some just have a lot of hot queer characters running around ready to seduce you. The trick is finding something that doesn’t feel too far outside his usual gaming comfort zone but still gives him that tingle of curiosity. If the game makes him blush even a little, you’re on the right track.
- Start with something familiar. Games that share mechanics with ones he already enjoys will feel less intimidating. If he loves RPGs, try something with turn-based combat and a queer story that makes him question a few things. If he's into visual novels, go for one with choices that shape the narrative and the possibility of an unexpected romance.
- Go for humor. Comedy breaks down walls, and a game that makes him laugh might also make him a little flustered. If he sees the game as fun first, he’ll relax and let his guard down. Queer humor hits differently when you’re playing a game with suggestive banter and some very attractive NPCs.
- Make it a group thing. Multiplayer games or party-style games keep the focus on fun, but he also creates opportunities for some hilarious tension. If everyone’s playing together, it’s easy to tease him when he starts flirting with a character. Watching his reaction when a hot male character winks at him is priceless.
- Ease into it. Starting with a game that includes queer content without making it the main focus can be a good first step. Games with optional same-sex romances let him dip his toes in before he realizes he's enjoying it way too much. Once he's comfortable, introducing something more direct will be easier - and maybe even expected.
Frame It the Right Way
How you bring it up matters, just like how you ease someone into new experiences. A little thought in how you pitch the game can make all the difference, and the way you sell it should match his personality and interests. No one wants to feel like he's being tricked, but a little teasing and playful pressure can go a long way. If his ears turn red, you’re doing it right.
- Make it sound fun, not a lesson. Nobody likes feeling like he's being forced into something for educational purposes. If it sounds like a lecture, he’ll check out fast and start looking at his phone. Keeping the focus on fun and entertainment makes him more likely to give it a shot - and maybe even get into it.
- Appeal to his curiosity. New experiences keep gaming fresh, and he might just need a little push to explore something different. Describing the game as something wild and unexpected might get him intrigued. If he hesitates at first, suggest he just "try it once" - works every time.
- Highlight the good parts. If a game has great writing, amazing characters, or a cool art style, lead with that, but don’t ignore the eye candy. Everyone loves a well-made game, but if he ends up developing a new fictional crush, even better. Let the game sell itself once he starts playing and realize he likes the attention from in-game characters.
- Play up the ridiculousness. Some of the best queer games are over-the-top in the best way. If the game has absurd scenarios or hilarious dialogue with a flirtatious twist, emphasize that. Laughing at the madness together can make him forget any awkwardness - until he finds himself choosing the "kiss him" option.
Make It Easy for Them
Some people just need things to be as low-effort as possible, just like in other areas of life. If he doesn’t have to go out of his way, he’ll be much more likely to play - and much more likely to get sucked into it. Setting things up for him removes any excuses, and before he knows it, he's enjoying themselves more than he expected.
- Have the game ready to go. If he has to buy it or download something, he might never get around to it. Setting up everything in advance means he doesn’t have to do any work and can jump right in. No effort on his part means less resistance - and fewer reasons to say no.
- Play alongside him. No one wants to be the only one experiencing something new, especially when it’s unfamiliar territory. If you’re playing too, he’ll feel less self-conscious and more willing to get into the experience. Being in it together makes him feel safer - but also makes it way funnier when he starts liking it.
- Keep the first session short. Long commitments scare people off, especially when he's not sure what he's getting into. A quick intro session gives him a taste without feeling overwhelming or like he's being tested. If he likes it, he’ll stick around for more, and you can watch him slowly let go of his reservations.
- Let him play how he wants. Some people want to take things slow, while others just dive in headfirst. Giving him space to play at his own pace keeps things comfortable and lets him process his feelings in real-time. No pressure means he’ll be more likely to let loose and see where things go.
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Call Out Their Ridiculous Excuses
Some straight friends act like playing a gay game will somehow change him, which is hilarious. That nonsense deserves to be called out, preferably with some playful teasing. A little roasting can go a long way, and making him laugh at themselves will make it easier to break down his hesitation.
- Point out that it’s just a game. Their identity won’t crumble just because he romanced a guy in a game. If he's played as a space marine, a wizard, or a cat, why is this any different? Laughing about it together makes the hesitation seem even more ridiculous.
- Remind him he's played weirder stuff. Everyone has played something completely bizarre at some point. If he's controlled a talking banana or a goat, then playing a gay dating sim shouldn’t be a stretch. Putting it in perspective can make him realize he's overthinking it.
- Flip the script on his logic. If he say, "But I’m straight," ask if that means he can’t play as a female character either. If he argues that a romance in a game makes him uncomfortable, ask why other fictional relationships never bothered him. Watching him struggle to explain his own logic is always entertaining.
- Tell him it’s just for fun. If he can enjoy playing a villain, an alien, or a dragon, why draw the line here? Games are about trying different things, not only doing what’s familiar. Getting him to admit he's being ridiculous can break down the last of his hesitation - and maybe get him more invested than he expected.
