Posted by Robbie McLachlan, Developer Marketing
#WeArePlay celebrates the inspiring journeys of people building apps and games on Google Play. In honor of Pride Month, we’re spotlighting founders who have built tools that empower the LGBTQIA+ community. From dating apps to mental health tools to storytelling platforms, these founders are paving the way for more inclusive technology.
npckc is a game creator from the Kanto region who creates stories that depict the transgender experience.
Born in Hong Kong and raised in Canada, npckc is a trilingual translator based in Japan. Self-taught programmers, they create games that feature stories and characters from marginalized communities. One such game is “Overnight stay, hot springsIn “Love Live!,” players follow Haru, a transgender woman, on a trip to a hot spring. Players praise the game’s realistic portrayal of the transgender experience and the soothing music composed by npckc’s partner sdhizumi. As a finalist in Google Play’s Indie Game Festival in Japan, they hope to attend more gaming conventions to interact with other developers in person.
Anshul and Rohan, from Mumbai, India, developed a mental health support app tailored to the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Anshul met Rohan after returning to India from London, and the two bonded over their own mental health struggles. They shared the same dream: to create something in the wellness space. This became Evolve, an app with guided meditations, breathwork, and daily affirmations. When the pandemic hit, the two saw first-hand how the LGBTQIA+ community was underserved in mental health support. For Rohan, who identifies as a gay man, this realization was sobering. Together, Anshul and Rohan redeveloped Evolve for the specific needs of the LGBTQIA+ community, building a safe space where users could share their experiences, seek mentorship, and build a supportive community.
BáiYù, from Indiana, USA, has created a platform to publish authentic queer visual novels and indie games.
Queer developer BáiYù loves to write stories and started making games at age 16. As part of the game development community, BáiYù wanted an affordable way to get their work out there, so they started Project Ensō to publish queer visual novels and narrative indie games. With 10 titles listed on Google Play, BáiYù helps other developers from underrepresented groups share their authentic stories on Project Ensō and polish their games before release. Project Ensō’s most popular title is “Longing: A Gay StoryIn the game, gamers take on the role of a recently out gay man living his life as a college freshman. BáiYù’s work has had a profound impact on players, with many saying that these games have positively changed their lives.
Alex and Jake from Nevada, USA, built an inclusive dating app and social community for everyone.
Alex and Jake grew up in an environment that was not accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community. After being introduced by a mutual friend, the two started developing an app together. When they noticed that queer people were looking for a platform that offered support and meaningful connections, they created Taimi. Taimi is not only a dating app for LGBTQIA+ people, but also a social network where they can bond, build community, and feel safe. Alex and Jake are also proud to partner with NGOs that provide mental health support to the community.
Discover more stories from app and game creators on #WeArePlay.
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