The video game universe is generally recognized as a male dominated space, even though about 50% of gamers are women. With 76% of game developers being men, 22% women and 2% trans/androgynous, there is reflection of this representation in game characters, which reinforces the myth that videogames are for men.
Despite the overwhelming imbalance of gender representation in gaming, there are many kick-ass characters and games that stand out in the sea of hetero-masculinity that has been associated with the face of gaming.
The characters and games included in this article are recommendations from an online discussion. Thanks for everyone’s contributions and game on!
Women Characters:
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Samus – Metroid
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In the 80s, Samus Aran stood out from the other games, that carried the “save the princess” narrative, with a strong female protagonist.
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Lara Croft – Tomb Raider
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Lara Croft is a truly badass character: tough, passionate and smart. Although 1996 Lara was hypersexualized, the character was revamped in 2013 with a more proportionate physique.
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Aqua and Kairi – Kingdom Hearts
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Aloy – Horizon Zero Dawn
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Aloy was a genetic clone who uses technology as a tool in her quest. She has excellent survival skills and remains compassionate as a strong female lead.
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Triss, Yennefer and Ciri – Witcher 3
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The plot of Witcher 3 would be nothing without this power trio. Triss Merigold and Yennefer of Vengerberg are written as romantic interest of the main protagonist, however they are powerful sorceresses who work together to fight the Wild Hunt. Cirilla Riannon is the Princess of Cintra. She is independent and powerful and works hard to follow in the footsteps of her mentor, Geralt of Rivea.
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Honorable Mention: GLaDOS – Portal, Emily Kaldwin – Dishonored 2, Raquel Applegate – Wild Arms IV, Jill Valentine- Resident Evil, Nariko – Heavenly Sword, Terra Branford – Final Fantasy VI, Ellie – Last of Us and Morrigan – Dragon Age.
Trans/Non-binary Characters and Gender Neutral Games:
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Dark Souls
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In Dark Souls franchise players are given the option of choosing a male or female body, but as far as pronouns– characters are only ever referred to as “Chosen Undead” the entire game.
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Birdo – Super Mario Bros. 2
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Trans video game characters aren’t just a new occurrence. In the 80s, Birdo’s description stated that she was a boy who says she is a woman who prefers to be called Birdetta. From then on she is referred to as a woman and sports a big pink bow.
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Krem – Dragon Age: Inquisition
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Cremisius “Krem” Aclassi is a trans man who was assigned female at birth. Bioware’s Dragon Age games also offer LGBT representation with the option to not to choose a heterosexual love story.
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Link and Zelda – Legend of Zelda
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Throughout the LoZ franchise, there has often been debate on the gender identity of the game’s main characters. Link is most often referred to as a boy, but has always dressed in more neutral attire. With the release of Breath of the Wild there was speculation of Link’s gender being open to player’s interpretation. Similarly, Princess Zelda in Ocarina of Time makes several appearances as Sheik, with a more masculine hair and clothing.
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Here are Some Others: Choice of the Dragon, Flea – Chrono Trigger, Leo – Tekken 6, Naoto Shirogane – Persona 4 and Bloodborne.
Gender Selection Games:
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Gender selection games are a way to personalize the gaming experience while being more inclusive to players who are gender non-binary, although most games still automatically connect he/him and she/her pronouns to male and female body selections. Some of the games that let you choose your gender are: Elder Scrolls, Mass Effect 3, Pokémon, Sims and Animal Crossing.