Games That Featured Trans Protagonists Without Making It the Plot

The representation of transgender and non-binary characters in video games has evolved significantly, moving from background roles to central protagonists. Many modern titles allow players to see themselves in the main character without the narrative focusing solely on the struggle or transition of their identity. These games often treat a character’s trans status as one facet of a multi-dimensional personality, prioritizing gameplay and overarching stories. From high-fantasy epics to competitive shooters, these titles demonstrate how diverse identities can be integrated into various genres seamlessly.

‘Celeste’ (2018)

Extremely OK Games developed this platformer which follows Madeline as she attempts to climb the treacherous Celeste Mountain. While the narrative focuses on her internal struggle with anxiety and depression, director Maddy Thorson later confirmed that Madeline is a trans woman. The gameplay mechanics revolve around precision jumping and dashing rather than her gender identity. This inclusion adds a layer of depth to her character without shifting the focus away from her personal journey of self-discovery and perseverance.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

Respawn Entertainment introduced Catalyst, also known as Tressa Smith, as the first openly trans woman in their battle royale roster. Catalyst uses her mastery over ferrofluid to manipulate the battlefield and protect her home on the moon of Boreas. Her background lore briefly touches upon her transition during her youth, but her role in the Apex Games is defined by her tactical abilities and defensive capabilities. The game treats her identity as a natural part of her history without centering the competitive narrative around it.

‘Cyberpunk 2077’ (2020)

Developed by CD Projekt Red, this open-world RPG allows players to customize the protagonist, V, with a wide range of gender expressions. Players can combine different voice tones, body types, and physical attributes to create a transgender character that fits their vision. The story focuses on V’s survival in Night City after a heist goes wrong and a digital ghost begins to take over their mind. The world of ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ accepts various forms of body modification as a norm, making the protagonist’s identity a personal choice rather than a plot point.

‘Baldur’s Gate 3’ (2023)

Larian Studios created a deep role-playing experience based on the ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ ruleset where players can design their own hero. The character creator includes options for non-binary identities and allows for the selection of gendered physical traits independently of voice or pronouns. The epic plot involves a mind flayer invasion and a journey to save or conquer the Forgotten Realms. Because the world reacts to the player’s choices and race more than their gender modality, the protagonist’s trans identity remains a personal detail.

‘Starfield’ (2023)

Bethesda Game Studios included diverse pronoun and body options in their massive space exploration RPG. Players take on the role of a member of Constellation, an organization dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of the universe. The character creator allows for the selection of “They/Them” pronouns and various physical builds that support a trans-inclusive experience. The story centers on the discovery of ancient artifacts and the exploration of distant planets across the Settled Systems.

‘The Sims 4’ (2014)

Maxis has consistently updated this life simulation game to include more inclusive options for the player-controlled Sims. In 2016, a major update removed gendered restrictions on clothing and physical frames, and a 2023 update added medical wearables like binders and top surgery scars. Players can create trans protagonists whose lives revolve around career goals, relationships, and hobbies rather than their gender transition. ‘The Sims 4’ provides a sandbox environment where identity is a fundamental but non-prescriptive aspect of the character’s existence.

‘Overwatch 2’ (2022)

Blizzard Entertainment expanded its hero roster with Venture, a non-binary archaeologist who uses a massive drill to navigate the map. Venture’s identity is established through their use of “They/Them” pronouns and specific character design elements. Their role in the game focuses on their damage-dealing capabilities and their enthusiasm for history and discovery. The narrative lore surrounding Venture emphasizes their professional skills and personality rather than making their gender identity a central conflict.

‘Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ (2022)

Gearbox Software developed this spin-off of the ‘Borderlands’ series, featuring a customizable protagonist called the Fatemaker. The game allows players to select their character’s voice and personality independently of their physical appearance, including non-binary pronoun options. Set within a tabletop fantasy game run by Tiny Tina, the plot follows the player’s quest to defeat the Dragon Lord. The Fatemaker’s gender identity is presented as a standard element of the character-building process in this chaotic adventure.

‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

FromSoftware’s acclaimed action RPG offers players the ability to create a Tarnished protagonist with significant aesthetic freedom. The character creator avoids strict gender labels in favor of “Body Type A” and “Body Type B,” allowing for a variety of gender presentations. The overarching story involves the protagonist’s quest to mend the Elden Ring and become the Elden Lord in the Lands Between. The game’s lore and NPC interactions focus on the player’s status as Tarnished rather than their specific gender identity.

‘Ikenfell’ (2020)

Happy Ray Games produced this tactical RPG about a group of students at a magical academy. The game features several protagonists, including Ima, who is non-binary and uses “They/Them” pronouns. The plot centers on a mystery involving the school’s missing students and the secrets of the magical world. While the cast is diverse and includes multiple LGBTQ+ characters, their identities are integrated naturally into the world-building without becoming the primary source of tension.

‘South Park: The Fractured But Whole’ (2017)

Ubisoft San Francisco developed this RPG where players control the New Kid as they join the local children in a superhero-themed adventure. During a specific segment with Mr. Mackey, players can define their gender identity, including options for transgender and non-binary status. This choice updates how characters refer to the protagonist throughout the rest of the game but does not change the superhero parody plot. The inclusion serves as a way for the game to acknowledge the player’s identity within its satirical framework.

‘Street Fighter 6’ (2023)

Capcom introduced a World Tour mode that allows players to create a custom avatar to train under legendary fighters. The creation suite is exceptionally detailed, allowing for the creation of trans-coded or non-binary characters through fluid body and voice options. This avatar serves as the protagonist of the single-player story, traveling the world to learn what strength truly means. The narrative focuses on the culture of fighting and personal growth rather than the character’s gender identity.

‘Hardspace: Shipbreaker’ (2022)

Blackbird Interactive developed this simulation game where players work as a “Cutter” for the LYNX Corporation, salvaging derelict spaceships. Players can choose their character’s voice and identity, which includes non-binary options that influence radio chatter and official documents. The story explores themes of corporate exploitation, labor rights, and the dangers of industrial work in zero gravity. The Cutter’s identity remains a background detail in a game primarily concerned with the mechanics of salvaging and debt repayment.

‘Dragon’s Dogma 2’ (2024)

Capcom’s fantasy sequel features an advanced character creator for the Arisen, the game’s central protagonist. Players have the freedom to customize their character’s appearance with a high degree of nuance, allowing for the creation of transgender characters. The plot follows the Arisen’s destiny to reclaim their heart from a dragon and navigate the political intrigues of two warring nations. The world focuses on the protagonist’s role as a chosen hero rather than their specific gender identity.

Please share your thoughts on these titles and your favorite gaming protagonists in the comments.