9 trans indie games you just need to play
Today is Trans Day of Visibility, a day where we celebrate the trans community and their experiences throughout history. To help do so, we’ve picked 10 incredible trans indie games for you to play, created by developers who have put their heart and soul into creating games that are true and poignant to them.
However, one thing everyone should remember is that while highlighting trans creators and issues for this day is fine, it shouldn’t be just for this day. The trans community around the world is facing a number of different things being thrown at them – their healthcare being denied, the struggle of actually being hyper visible with very little control over it, being misgendered…
Our trans brothers and sisters need to be valued and cared for each and every day – not just on this day. To learn more, research different ways you can help make a stand against transphobia.
For now, however, let’s show support to indie game developers who have created wonderful games that showcase trans issues and/or trans protagonists/characters.
Family Dinner
Family Dinner is not a happy game – but it is a crucial one that we’ve talked about on Gayming Magazine in the past. It is a game about Tobias, a young trans man who must sit through a dinner with their transphobic family members.
It eventually ends up going very wrong, and the ending is certainly dour. But one thing that remains a highlight is Tobias’ certainty of who he truly is – despite what other people think of him.
You can play Family Dinner over on itch.io
Do I Pass?
Do I Pass? is a game about passing aka, when people look at you, do they think you’re simply a cisgender man or woman. The term and what it stands for is somewhat controversial to some, but it means a lot to others.
In Do I Pass? you play as a trans woman who uses a magic spell to become a ghost that can read other people’s thoughts. They do this while riding a bus, and get mixed results depending on who you talk to, which may be triggering for some. But the concept of the idea is very novel, and we do recommend that you give this game your time as it’s very short, but asks a lot of fascinating questions.
You can play Do I Pass? over on itch.io.
Losing Charge
Meet Jay, he is a trans teenage boy who lives with his twin sister Katy, and their dad. Currently, this game only has a demo out, but it’s very interactive and looks absolutely beautiful. It plays more like a comic, but there’s still about 40 minutes of content for you to play through.
What we really like about Losing Charge is that it puts us in the role of a trans teenager, and one that isn’t just your average white person either.
You can play Losing Charge over on itch.io.
Date Quartet
While it’s important to play games that teaches us something new, sometimes we just need trans indie games that let us and the characters be happy. That’s where Date Quartet from Leroy Kiri comes in!
This game follows the story of Noah and Jayden who, after meeting each other on a dating app, go on a date. They talk about a lot of things, and yes some are quite heavy, but all in all, it’s a very sweet, fun game that even makes references to the Twilight movie series. We love that for us.
You can play Date Quartet over on itch.io.
GHOST # DIALER
GHOST # DIALER is a supernatural mystery that follows two young teens who must find a way to be their truest selves, something which may sound easy, yet is anything but.
It features a cast of characters across a wide spectrum of race, gender, and sexuality, and is highly inspired by 90s and early 2000s anime and video games. More importantly, it’s a game where being who you really are is the most powerful thing of all.
You can play GHOST # DIALER over on itch.io.
one night, hot springs
one night, hot springs is a classic, and it even has two sequels that can also be played. The original game follows Haru, a young, Japanese transgender woman who is invited by her friend to enjoy the hot springs, but when Haru gets there they fear that they’ll only cause trouble.
Some, mistakenly, believe that transgender issues do not affect non-Western cultures. This game completely challenges that belief at the same time as educating players – whether trans or not – at how sensitive and personal it can be to manoeuvre yourself in a way that won’t appear offensive.
You can play one night, hot springs over on itch.io.
If Found…
If Found… is a story that touched a lot of people around the world. It’s won awards for its stellar soundtrack, memorable characters, and incredible story that focuses on Kasio – a young, transwoman who returns home to Ireland where everything has completely changed. And not for the better, either.
It’s got everything that you could want: a found family storyline, a cast that either makes you want to root for them or strangle them a few seconds later, and an insightful narrative that educates players about Ireland.
You can play If Found… over on Nintendo Switch, itch.io and Steam.
Girl Things
We all need a little pick-me-up, something that brings so much wholesome energy that you just know you can get through the day. If you’re looking for a game like that, then you’re going to love Girl Things.
In this game, you play as a trans woman who meets up with her friend Lilly to do nothing but talk. It sounds simple, and it is, but it is undeniably cute too. After all, trans indie games don’t always need to be sad.
You can play Girl Things over on itch.io.
Repurpose
Everyone dies and in Repurpose that’s what you are – dead, deader than a doornail, even. But that’s okay, because you and a few of the friends you meet in Limbo first have to decide whether you want to go to Heaven, Hell, or remain in Limbo for the rest of their existence. Sounds fun? Then you’ll very much like Repurpose.
A visual novel that will let you romance whoever you want, Repurpose includes a wide cast of characters – some of which who are trans.
You can play Repurpose (demo only) over on itch.io.
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