Writing the first blockbuster game with a trans protagonist gave Ubisoft San Francisco and South Park Digital Studios an opportunity to make something subversive and empathetic, mocking some of the more outlandish insults thrown at us while touching on the struggles we face regularly. This is an emotionally fulfilling experience, and something we've seen precious little representation of in bigger games. Allowing players to don a cape and cowl in the midst of strangers, and wear clothes that match your identity in public spaces. The developers also had the opportunity to send a positive message: that trans kids can be heroes.
Would it replicate a moment from my own life, when a waiter loudly misgendered me in every other sentence while I squirmed in my seat? This being a superhero story, would I have an opportunity to protect another trans middle schooler from bullies, only to run up against an administration that sided with the aggressors? If I was testing their attempt at trans inclusion, I intended on visiting the town myself and seeing how its residents reacted to my presence.
With wavy, chestnut hair, thick rectangular glasses and blue eyes, I built a New Kid that mirrored my own appearance. There weren't many customization options available from the jump, but I immediately found what I was looking for.
