Jaime Barnhill

We welcome Jaime Barnhill, a writer and game developer who is just starting their career!

QRM: Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do in the games industry?

Jaime: I'm a writer. I create visual novels and, when I'm free, I offer freelance writing services for video games. I'm just starting out though, so my portfolio isn't super impressive.

QRM: How long have you been involved in the game industry, and what projects have you worked on? What are you working on currently?

Jaime: I've been developing my own game, Pinewood Island, for about a year. I have done a bit of freelance writing for unreleased projects, and have future projects in mind to develop myself. I've been a writer all of my life, but a year ago I decided to attempt to combine my passion for writing and video games into a career.

QRM: What inspired you to get started in the games industry?

Jaime: I've always loved video games. I assumed you only got to work on them if you were an artist or a programmer. I discovered that visual novels existed, and it seemed a perfect way to start combining my writing with video games. I enjoy working on visual novels, but would love to move on to RPGs, adventure games, or any other story-driven video game.

QRM: In what ways do you feel your experiences as a queer person manifest in the games you work on, and influence the work you do?

Jaime: Despite being bisexual I often feel hesitant to write queer relationships because there is such a huge pressure to "do it correctly".

QRM: Do you have a favourite queer character—in games or media more generally? If so, what is it about them that makes them your favourite?
Question asked by @kamienw.

Jaime: Harley Quinn is one of my favorite characters of all time. She overcame abuse, she's bisexual, and tries to live life at its fullest and happiest despite being haunted by her trauma. (Though this isn't always the narrative her character is written into, it is the way I see her.)

QRM: Have you ever encountered roadblocks in trying to include queer characters in games? What do you think is preventing greater diversity within games?
Question asked by @dustinalex91.

Jaime: Personally, my biggest fear about writing queer characters is the response from the queer community. I write from my experience and it may not match up with what's common. I've seen projects with queer characters spark a lot of heated debates and it's intimidating to write for something that could also fall under that type of spotlight.

QRM: Why do you think it is important that queer audiences are able to see themselves represented in the games they play, and in the developers who make the games they see? What can we do to improve the industry for queer audiences and devs?

Jaime: Queer representation is important because it helps break down that feeling of isolation. I wish I knew the answers to improving the industry, but I do not. I feel like the best way to support queer representation is to do so with money. Buy the games with queer characters, see the movies with queer characters, watch the TV shows with queer characters, purchase the merchandise, don't pirate these things. At least in America, money talks. If more people see that queer representation is profitable, it might encourage its inclusion. It also helps indie queer developers continue to create games/content with these characters. It is especially important to financially support indie creators because without that support they may have to stop making games. So if a game is offered for free or with a "pay what you want" option, I encourage you to spare what you can. Also to purchase their games legally, and let them know when you enjoy their content!

QRM: In what ways can non-queer folk increase and support queer diversity present within games, as well as in the industry more broadly? How can we all work to support intersectional approaches to diversity, and why is this important?

Jaime: I wish I knew these answers. My only guess would be to approach others with the intention to build them up, and educate them vs tearing them down for making mistakes.

QRM: Is there a message that you would like to share with the queer game players, game studies researchers, and other interested folks who comprise the Queerly Represent Me community?

Jaime: As a "newbie" to this industry, my only advice would be to surround yourself with people who support you. Who can look at your work critically, but also prevent you from second guessing yourself to death. Don't be afraid to fail.

*

You can find Jaime at @WafflesRtheBest on Twitter.