"So... I'm Non-Binary": Depicting Transgender Characters in Games Without Breaking Immersion

The gaming industry often leads the way in exploring bold, diverse narratives. Yet, it’s no stranger to controversy when it comes to representation. US publisher Electronic Arts (EA) is bracing its investors for disappointment ahead of its February earnings announcement, largely due to the fallout from Dragon Age: Veilguard. The game’s inclusion of transgender themes and a shift to a vibrant fantasy art style alienated much of its legacy fanbase. Predictably, the media and critics pounced, reigniting the debate on diversity in games.

However, the issue with Veilguard isn’t the depiction of diversity itself. It’s the execution. The game failed to authentically weave transgender characters and narratives into its world, creating a jarring disconnect that undermined both its storytelling and player immersion.

From Dragon Age: Veilguard © BioWare/Electronic Arts. Used under fair use for transformative purposes.

When Diversity Feels Forced

Change is hard. Let’s be honest—we’re all creatures of habit. The legacy fanbase of Dragon Age, now creeping into their 40s, is no exception. It’s a group used to a gritty, brutal world where choices often led to tragedy, not technicolor backdrops and feel-good moments. While the shift in art style might be dismissed as a generational disconnect, the real grievance lies in the writing.

Consider The Last of Us Part II or Cyberpunk 2077. Both games stumbled in parts but managed to present LGBTQ+ narratives with far greater nuance. Lev in The Last of Us Part II is a phenomenal character whose transgender identity is integral to his story, yet it doesn’t feel shoehorned in. Similarly, Claire in Cyberpunk 2077 is a standout example of a well-executed trans character. Her candidness and depth make her story feel grounded, even in a game world where gender identity often took a backseat to exaggerated aesthetics. What Veilguard missed is that authenticity matters more than visibility for its own sake. Forcing a character to deliver a line like, “So… I’m non-binary,” without context or subtlety pulls players out of the story and gives critics easy ammunition.

A Lesson from Cultural Identity in Games

Diversity isn’t just about gender identity—it’s about all aspects of identity. A shining example of this is Venba, a game that explores cultural identity with grace and depth. Through the story of an Indian family immigrating to Canada, Venba invites players to explore the struggles and joys of preserving culture. The game’s authenticity lies in its subtlety: it doesn’t preach but instead invites empathy through relatable characters and immersive storytelling. The result? A deeply personal narrative that resonates universally.

What Venba teaches us is this: diversity in games works best when it’s woven naturally into the world and story. Authentic representation isn’t about hitting players over the head with a message; it’s about inviting them to explore new perspectives with relatable characters. Veilguard faltered because it lacked this nuance, but it’s a lesson for the industry to grow from.

Official Trailer, Venba © Visai Studios. Used under fair use for transformative purposes.

The Path Forward: Gentle Invitations, Not Blunt Instruments

The debate on diversity in gaming is far from over, and that’s a good thing. As an industry, gaming has the power to shape cultural narratives and challenge perceptions. But as Veilguard shows, this power must be wielded thoughtfully. Players want stories that feel real, characters they can connect with, and worlds that invite them in rather than alienate them.

It’s not about avoiding tough topics. It’s about handling them with care. Transgender characters and diverse narratives belong in games, but their inclusion must be organic, respectful, and deeply rooted in the game’s world. The industry doesn’t need more blunt instruments hammering in diversity; it needs more games like Venba that gently invite players to step into new shoes and explore authentic, meaningful stories.

So, here’s to a future where we can celebrate diversity in games without breaking immersion—a future where we’re not just playing, but growing together. Do you know other games where identity, be it cultural, gender-based, or otherwise, has been implemented flawlessly? Share your recommendations and let’s continue this important conversation.