“Representation is so important. It’s something we wanted to put in this game, even in a small way like this.”
That’s a developer from Insomniac Games there, outlining the reasons why representation of the LGBT community was considered crucial to the dev team during the production of Marvel’s Spider-Man.
It’s the PS4 exclusive that’s currently stealing headlines left, right and center (our review), whether it’s for the addition of Stan Lee or the painstaking detail on display – Insomniac even recorded all audio twice so that Peter Parker’s dialogue sounds strained when he’s swinging between the skyscrapers of New York City. How’s that for attention to detail?
Over on Twitter (h/t ComicBook.com), for instance, a number of gamers have been posting screenshots of the area in which a giant rainbow flag flies proudly over NYC. And Jacinda Chew, Art Director of Marvel’s Spider-Man, is certainly pleased that players are beginning to notice the LGBT representation woven into the game. You can see some of the reactions down below, including a Twitter moment which compiles all of the best captures.
I’m glad people are noticing this detail. Spider-Man is for everyone! #SpidermanPS4 https://t.co/EpSGZKzYtG
— Jacinda Chew (@jacinda_chew) September 8, 2018
Really love the Spider-Man game. They even put some pride there. Quality inclusion. pic.twitter.com/6NBD2ny0mK
— Zack #FreePalestine🇵🇸 (@KrennZack) September 10, 2018
Yeah, Spider-Man is pretty damn cool. #PS4share #Pride pic.twitter.com/ym84MSl63Y
— Chance Williams (@ChunkWillum) September 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/207gabe/status/1039148927109476353
Pretty cool, no? Marvel’s Spider-Man is arguably the game of the moment (sorry, Shadow of the Tomb Raider), and it’s heartening to see this kind of inclusion and LGBT representation in a AAA flagship from Insomniac and Sony Interactive Entertainment.
So keep posting screenshots and gameplay videos of Peter Parker next to that rainbow flag, and show your support of the LGBT community. Spidey already has, so what’s stopping you?
Marvel’s Spider-Man is now available for PlayStation 4, and will no doubt find its way onto all sorts of GOTY lists before the year’s end. Yes, it’s really that good.