We all have our comfort games, the worn-out discs we pull off the shelf every year to take us back to a moment in time that we’ve carefully preserved in a digital world. It can be as simple as nostalgia, or it can be a game that changed your perception on life, helping you to find yourself.

Stories like this are a dime a dozen in Pride Month, but each is a reminder of what a powerful impact games can have. Look no further than the Dragon Age community, an inclusive and queer space propelled by a series that was always forward-thinking and ahead of its time, helping LGBTQ+ players to feel welcomed and included.

It’s no surprise, then, that u/XenobladeAndBirbs314’s anecdote is resonating with so many, as he shared his story of self-discovery thanks to one of the series’ most endearing romances — the Iron Bull.

Played by Freddie Prinze Jr., no less.

“I Never Get Tired Of Seeing These Two Slowly Fall In Love”

“Story time: When I was about 14 years old, I played Dragon Age Inquisition for the first time,” the post reads. “I wanted to make this super cool big and buff Qunari dude because I was a cringy little middle school edgelord.

“For those of you who don’t know, this game has tone indicators for certain dialogue options. One of them is a little heart. I, not knowing much about big RPGs, thought this just signified the dialogue options that would give me more companion approval. Before I knew it, I got to a cutscene with Iron Bull in my bedroom initiating sex and my Adaar seeming[ly] very enthusiastic about it.”

At the time, u/XenobladeAndBirbs314 didn’t realise that he was gay, but he continued with the romance anyway because he “thought it was funny”. As the narrative progressed and his Inquisitor grew closer and closer to Iron Bull, it went from typical teenage immaturity to a newfound understanding about himself, extended far beyond the limits of the game. “It gave me this warm feeling seeing these two men so happy together,” he continued. “[I] realised that there was absolutely no way I was straight”.

Inquisition quickly became his comfort game, a world he returns to regularly to relive that moment. As he puts it, “It’s Pride Month, time to rewatch the scenes that permanently altered my brain chemistry”. It’s a poignant little story that struck a chord with the community, but it’s also fun to imagine what kind of similar posts we’ll be reading in a decade with today’s games.

Maybe the normalcy of Astarion and Hans’ romances is someone’s awakening, or perhaps Taash coming out as non-binary will help someone else put their experience into words, and we’re just waiting to hear about it.