20 Games Where You Can Build a Family With Same-Sex Parents

Representation in video games has expanded significantly over the last two decades to include diverse relationship options and family structures. Many modern life simulation and role-playing games now provide mechanics that allow players to marry partners of the same gender and raise children together. These features often include adoption systems, magical procreation, or science-based methods to ensure players can build the household they desire. The following titles offer inclusive gameplay loops where building a loving family is a core part of the experience.

‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

Players can create Sim characters with specific romantic interests and gender identities to tell their unique stories. The game allows same-sex couples to marry and expand their families through various distinct methods. You can choose to adopt children or utilize science babies to have biological offspring with a partner. This life simulation game offers extensive customization options for creating diverse family structures. Updates have continually added more depth to relationship dynamics and parenting mechanics.

‘Stardew Valley’ (2016)

This farming simulation game enables the main character to romance and marry various townspeople regardless of gender. Once married you settle into farm life together and can choose to raise children. Same-sex couples in the game are given the option to adopt a child after upgrading the farmhouse. The game treats all relationships with equal depth and integrates the family into daily farm operations. You must maintain high relationship levels to trigger these family milestones.

‘The Sims 3’ (2009)

The third installment in the franchise introduced open neighborhoods and expanded autonomy for Sim families. Same-sex couples can form civil unions and raise children together in a seamless town environment. Players can choose adoption to bring babies or children into the household. The genetics system ensures that family traits pass down if mods or future expansion mechanics are used for biological connections. The game focuses heavily on generational play and seeing the family tree grow over time.

‘Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town’ (2019)

This remake of a classic farming title reintroduced the concept of the Best Friends ceremony which functions as marriage. Players can woo any eligible bachelor or bachelorette and start a life together on the farm. The game allows same-sex partners to be gifted a child by the Harvest Goddess. This magical adoption event ensures that players can experience parenthood regardless of their partner choice. It marked a significant step forward for inclusivity in the long-running franchise.

‘Rune Factory 5’ (2021)

Fantasy adventure meets farming simulation in this title where same-sex marriage was added for the worldwide release. The protagonist can date and marry any of the eligible candidates and eventually start a family. Couples can have children who inherit traits and assist with farm duties or combat. The game explains the arrival of children for same-sex couples through magical means involving the Great Tree. Relationships develop through daily interactions and completing unique story quests.

‘My Time at Sandrock’ (2023)

Builders in this post-apocalyptic desert town can find love with a wide variety of characters. The game fully supports same-sex marriage and allows couples to adopt children from the local church. You can raise your children from infancy to school age while managing your workshop. The family mechanics include interacting with your kids and taking them on outings. It provides a heartwarming domestic layer to the resource management gameplay.

‘Fable II’ (2008)

This role-playing game was a pioneer in allowing players to marry any NPC they courted successfully. You can purchase a home and start a family with a husband or wife of the same gender. The game features an adoption system where you can take in children to raise in your chosen abode. Your choices and morality alignment directly impact how your spouse and children perceive you. The family aspect adds emotional stakes to the hero’s journey through Albion.

‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’ (2011)

The Dragonborn has the option to marry various characters after wearing an Amulet of Mara. Same-sex marriage is treated exactly the same as heterosexual unions with no restrictions on partner choice. Players can adopt up to two children who will live in their purchased home. These children bring life to the household and can be given gifts or allowances. The Hearthfire expansion further deepened these mechanics by allowing the construction of family homes.

‘Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town’ (2021)

Farmers in Olive Town can participate in same-sex marriage which creates a partnership ceremony. The game allows couples to raise a child together after specific time requirements are met. The child appears through a magical event that fits the whimsical tone of the series. Players experience cutscenes detailing the growth of their child and family life. This entry continued the trend of inclusivity established by previous remakes in the series.

‘Coral Island’ (2023)

This vibrant farming sim set on a tropical island emphasizes environmental restoration and community. Players can date and marry a diverse cast of characters without gender restrictions. The game includes mechanics for having children to complete the family unit. Developers focused heavily on representing diverse backgrounds and relationship types throughout the narrative. Daily life involves balancing farm work with spending quality time with your spouse and kids.

‘Wylde Flowers’ (2022)

You play as Tara in this magical farming sim that features a fully voiced narrative and diverse cast. The game allows the protagonist to marry characters of any gender and experience a rich domestic life. Updates to the game introduced the ability to have children or adopt them to grow your family. The storyline deeply integrates relationship dynamics and the challenges of balancing magic with mundane life. It stands out for its strong writing and heartfelt character interactions.

‘My Time at Portia’ (2019)

The predecessor to Sandrock offers a charming world where builders can restore a workshop. Players can romance and marry any eligible character in town regardless of gender. Same-sex couples have the option to adopt babies to raise within their home. The child system allows you to interact with your offspring and buy them toys as they grow. Relationships provide distinct benefits and add personal stakes to the overarching story of rebuilding the town.

‘Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life’ (2023)

This remake centers specifically on the passage of time and raising a child to adulthood. Players can marry any marriage candidate and raise a child who is influenced by their partner. Same-sex couples utilize the blue feather to propose and acquire a child through the colony’s magical nature. The game is unique because the ending changes based on how you raised your child and the career path they choose. It offers one of the most in-depth parenting simulations in the farming genre.

‘RimWorld’ (2018)

This sci-fi colony simulator creates complex stories through the interactions of your survivors. The Biotech expansion added official support for children and genetic modification. Same-sex couples in your colony can adopt children or use fertility procedures to have biological offspring. The game simulates the challenges of raising kids in a hostile environment while managing their needs and education. Every playthrough results in a unique family narrative driven by emergent gameplay.

‘Crusader Kings III’ (2020)

Grand strategy enters the personal realm as players manage a dynasty through the Middle Ages. Game rules can be customized to allow same-sex marriage and adoption within the realm. This enables rulers to secure heirs and build alliances through unions that were historically restricted. You must navigate court politics and succession laws while raising your adopted or biological children. The depth of the simulation allows for intricate family dramas and legacy building.

‘Roots of Pacha’ (2023)

Players go back to the Stone Age in this cooperative farming and life simulation game. The clan allows for unions between characters of any gender who can then raise a family. You can have children who will grow up and interact with the developing village. The game emphasizes community cooperation and the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. Parenting mechanics are woven into the progression of the tribe’s technology and culture.

‘Sun Haven’ (2021)

This fantasy farming simulator lets players explore a world filled with magic and monsters. You can romance and marry characters from different fantasy races regardless of gender. The game includes an option to wish for a child at the Wishing Well to expand your family. Children in the game are interactive and add a layer of liveliness to your farmhouse. The magical setting allows for creative explanations for family growth in diverse relationships.

‘Fable III’ (2010)

The sequel continues the franchise tradition of allowing total freedom in romantic relationships. The hero can marry a partner of the same sex and adopt children from the local orphanage. You can move your family into a royal castle or a humble home depending on your status. Interacting with your spouse and children grants guild seals and influences your moral standing. The game reinforces the idea that love and family are universal concepts in Albion.

‘The Sims 2’ (2004)

This classic simulation game was groundbreaking for introducing Joined Unions for same-sex couples. It was the first in the series to allow these couples to adopt children through a phone service. The genetics system and family tree tracking made raising these children a core part of the gameplay loop. Players could guide their families through multiple generations and observe the long-term effects of their parenting. It established the foundation for inclusive family mechanics in life simulators.

‘Cattails: Wildwood Story’ (2023)

Players take on the role of a cat building a colony in this unique survival RPG. You can form a bond with any eligible cat and eventually have a litter of kittens together. Same-sex pairings are fully supported and can produce kittens that inherit colors from both parents. The game focuses on the survival of your colony and the training of your offspring. It provides a distinct non-human perspective on community and family building.

Please let us know which of these games offered your favorite family-building experience by leaving a message in the comments.