Top 5 Games with Trans Male Characters
As society progresses towards acceptance and inclusivity, the video game industry has taken steps to feature characters from diverse backgrounds. In particular, trans male characters have gained visibility in recent years. Such representation is incredibly important. First of all, for trans men to see themselves reflected in the games they play. And second, it’s important for cisgender gamers too. Seeing trans characters can help create empathy and maybe make gamers realize trans characters can be relatable too. Here are our top 5 video games with trans male characters.
1. Tell Me Why (2020)
Tell Me Why is a narrative-driven game from the developers of Life is Strange and The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit. Tell Me Why follows the story of twins Tyler and Alyson Ronan as they navigate their past and present. One of the main characters, Tyler, is a trans man who returns to his hometown after being released from juvenile detention. The player gets into the role of Tyler and through him, they’ll explore Tyler's personal journey as well as his relationship with his twin sister and their family. The developers worked with GLAAD to ensure accurate representation and the result is a thoughtful and well-created character. Notably, Tyler is voiced by an actual transmasculine actor, adding more authenticity to the character.
2. Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator (2017)
In this fun and light-hearted visual novel styled game, the player can make their character, their Dadsona (for real!), trans by picking the binder option in the character creation menu. Besides playing as a trans dad, Dream Daddy also gives you a trans love interest in the form of Goth dad Damien Bloodmarch who is voiced by a trans actor. Although the voice acting for all characters remains limited to some sighs and grunts, it’s admirable nonetheless for the game developers to actually choose a trans actor for the role. There is no tragic backstory and no transphobia present in Dream Daddy. In fact, Damien’s trans status plays little to no role and is only revealed through one dialogue line where he refers to his binders. People who are looking for a fun, transphobia-free game where their gender is never questioned or the highlight of the experience, Dream Daddy might just be the game for you. Also, if you love dad jokes and dad puns, you’re in for a treat!
3. The Last of Us Part II (2020)
The Last of Us Part II is one of the most popular games of 2020, and it also has a cast of multiple queer characters of which one is a playable protagonist. The game also features Lev, an Asian trans boy. Lev is an ex-member of the Seraphite cult and has a pivotal role in the game's story as one of the main character's allies. It’s thanks to his friendly nature and persona that a main character becomes more empathetic. While some criticized the game's handling of his identity, the character's inclusion was an important step towards representation in such a high-profile AAA game. Just like Tyler and Damien, Lev is voiced by a trans actor. Unlike the previous title Dream Daddy, this game is gritty and violent. It’s a story about revenge and despair in the midst of a post-apocalypse. This game is not for everyone. Just like any other character in The Last of Us Part II, does Lev experience violence and trauma. There are a few instances in-game where Seraphite-members will deadname Lev when they encounter him. It must be said that the main character he travels with, is supportive and never misgenders him. The same goes for other non-enemy NPCs. And as mentioned before, he is not the only one to experience such violence. In that regard, one can consider Lev to be equally represented like other queer characters in-game and he is one of the most sympathetic characters in the cast.
4. Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014)
Dragon Age: Inquisition is famous for its diverse cast of characters, including a trans man named Krem. Krem is a member of the Iron Bulls mercenary group and serves as their lieutenant, making him a crucial part of the game's story. The character is presented as a well-rounded and complex character in his own right, not simply as a trans man for the sake of representation. The player has multiple encounters and during one such encounter, the player can ask in a rather ignorant manner about Krem’s gender identity. Luckily, Krem is quickly supported by his friend and colleague the Iron Bull who also affirms his identity as a man. The Iron Bull also mentions the existence of transgender identity by using an in-game lore compliant word, which solidifies the representation and even gives the player some extra world building. The biggest critique to his character would be that he is voiced by a cisgender woman. However, this does not detract from his masculinity and trans identity onscreen and we should still consider Krem as a good example of trans representation in video games.
5. The Sims 4 (2014)
In the latest installment of the Sims franchise, players can create transgender Sims in the character creation menu. Players can play with settings such as voice tone, chest shape, whether a Sim can become pregnant and whether they can stand up while peeing or not. Clothing has become available to every Sim, regardless their gender. In previous games, male Sims could not wear dresses, but say goodbye to those gendered settings! As of February this year, the Sims 4 came out with a new update that offers players the opportunity to give their Sims top surgery scars or binders.
Conclusion
As the world becomes more diverse, it's important for the media we consume to represent a range of identities and experiences. Characters like Damien and Krem show that trans characters don’t always need an overt focus on their trans identity. Tell Me Why is an example that you can have a playable trans lead with an interesting and emotional narrative that doesn’t rely on stereotypes regarding transgender people. The Sims 4 is a surprisingly progressive take on the usual binary character creator in most games. Many other games could learn a thing or two when it comes to character personalization. And finally, Lev is a nice step toward including more trans people of color into video games and showing that they can perfectly fit into a AAA game. These top 5 video games with great trans male characters have made strides towards inclusivity, and hopefully, more games in the future will follow their lead. Representation remains important, both on screen and behind the scenes.
