After Trump’s 2024 Victory, Studios Start Cutting Diversity from Narratives

Companies in Video Game Industry Reassess DEI Policies Amidst Censorship of Queer Narratives Following Trump’s 2024 Victory

The political climate in the USA following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 elections has prompted various companies, including those in the video game industry, to reconsider their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Actress Samantha Beart, who voices Karlach in Baldur’s Gate 3, indicates censorship of queer narratives in some games. In an upcoming interview with The Gamer, Beart states, “I know they’re cutting stories. Historically, complacency doesn’t work well.” However, she believes this trend is temporary, adding, “There are indies, communities writing and coming together; we will overcome this together.” These developments coincide with the resurgence of movements like GamerGate 2.0, where some voices label LGBTQ+ and racial themes as factors harming sales within the industry. Baldur’s Gate 3, however, offers a counter-narrative. The AAA title, known for its diverse content and high quality, sold 15 million copies by November 2024, demonstrating commercial success alongside its inclusive themes.

Shift in Diversity Policies in Video Game Industry Amidst Broader Term Adoption and Controversial Stances

Amid this shifting landscape, several major publishers have adjusted their stances. Take-Two Interactive, publisher of Grand Theft Auto, garnered significant attention in the past week, appearing in 15 news articles. The company notably removed DEI references from its 2025 annual report, replacing them with the broader term “diversity of thought.” Similarly, CI Games openly opposed diversity policies in hiring, with its CEO posting “RIP DEI.” Despite these shifts and reported cuts to accessibility and DEI policies in some major studios, inclusion remains present in various sectors of the industry. Independent studios, often operating with less editorial pressure, continue to exercise creative freedom. Baldur’s Gate 3 further underscores this point, having received the Industry Diversity Award at the Gayming Awards 2025.