Feb 1
'1348 Ex Voto' Trailer Spotlights Lesbian Knight's Quest in Medieval Italy
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
On January 22, 2026, game publisher Dear Villagers unveiled the release date trailer for 1348 Ex Voto, an upcoming single-player action-adventure title developed by independent studio Sedleo. The trailer confirms the game's narrative centers on Aeta, a young knight errant voiced by Alby Baldwin, who embarks on a perilous journey across 14th-century Italy to rescue Bianca, portrayed by openly LGBTQ+ actor Jennifer English.
Set against the backdrop of 1348 Italy, the story begins with Aeta's village destroyed in a bandit raid, during which Bianca is abducted. Early trailer scenes depict the two women sharing an affectionate moment in a field, establishing their romantic bond, with Aeta later clutching Bianca's medallion amid hostile territory. The Steam page describes Bianca as Aeta's "closest one," fueling speculation confirmed by the trailer's sapphic undertones.
Sedleo first announced 1348 Ex Voto last summer as an ambitious medieval role-playing game inspired by chivalric tales. The new trailer has amplified excitement within LGBTQ+ gaming communities, with the game added to tens of thousands of Steam wishlists and inspiring fan artwork of Aeta and Bianca. Pride.com highlighted it among eight lesbian and sapphic video games slated for 2026, praising Aeta's quest against bandits, zealots, and mercenaries. Queerty celebrated the trailer for placing a lesbian knight "in the jousting seat," emphasizing her role in overcoming evil forces.
TheGamer noted the project's refreshing authenticity, arguing that featuring a queer female lead in a gritty medieval tale sidesteps pandering while addressing a rarity in gaming. Developer Sedleo has framed the game as creating stories they wished existed in their youth, reassuring fans amid concerns over potential tragic queer tropes. English's involvement, known from Baldur’s Gate 3 and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, adds appeal for queer players familiar with her work.
Not all reactions have been positive. Critics questioning historical accuracy have argued against lesbian characters in medieval Europe, with some accusing the game of injecting modern politics. These claims face pushback, as historical records show romantic relationships between women in the Middle Ages, alongside literary examples like women knights in Orlando Furioso. Fans dismissed backlash as overreactions from "butt hurt right-wing types," per one commenter. TheGamer contextualized it within tales of real figures like Joan of Arc and Isabel of Conches, underscoring that female knights predate modern debates.
Trailer hints suggest deeper layers, including betrayal, moral ambiguity, and symbolism like dolls possibly tied to paganism, beyond a straightforward rescue. Gameplay evokes a "shield and sword twist on A Plague Tale," blending cinematic action with chivalric narrative. 1348 Ex Voto is set for release on March 12, 2026, available on Steam. For LGBTQ+ gamers, it represents a bold step in queer-led medieval storytelling, amplifying visibility amid ongoing cultural discussions.
