Queer characters in media have come a long way since Ellen DeGeneres’ career was temporarily ruined because she, and her eponymous sitcom character, came out as a lesbian in 1997. But while the music industry and TV shows are now queerer than ever before, how do video games compare?

In collaboration with global esports organization Gen.G, Bumble is sponsoring an all-female Fortnite team with the aim of elevating professional female players. Although almost half of all gamers are women, they continue to be underserved, giving brands an opportunity to provide support.

As gaming platforms become more centred around community and conversation, Fortnite’s ‘We the People’ series is providing gaming communities with education on issues surrounding racism. It’s meeting people’s expectation to see virtual worlds mirror real-world socio-political change.

Video games may conjure up imagery of ultra-fantasy but can these play a positive role in mental health? Canvas8 spoke to Joe Donnelly, author of Checkpoint: How Video Games Power Up Minds, Kick Ass, and Save Lives, to understand the benefits of gaming that transcend entertainment.