Queer Games Studies Material Turn: Centering Trans Bodies in Video Games

This paper argues for a "material turn" in queer game studies, specifically by centering the role of transgender bodies and embodiment in video games beyond mere character customization or scripted narratives. It posits that while queer studies and queer game studies have acknowledged the body as a site of disidentification and exploration, the specific bodily features and lived experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) characters and players have been largely overlooked in existing research, which often focuses on abstract representation, image, or narrative.

The research draws on two qualitative data sets: responses from 198 TGD players across Brazil, Ukraine, and an English-language mixed sample from online surveys, and 12 semi-structured interviews with transgender players in the UK. This methodology allowed for an exploration of how TGD players perceive and utilize their virtual bodies, considering cultural backgrounds that shape these experiences.

Key findings indicate that TGD players engage with their virtual bodies in diverse ways. Some use games to transcend gender, prioritizing concepts like speed and movement. Others meticulously craft characters whose movements and interactions align with their desired self-image. For many, the virtual body serves not just as a visual reflection but as an extension capable of performing actions or embodying identities that might be inaccessible in their physical lives. Across all data, embodiment emerged as a central theme connecting different approaches to finding space for TGD identities in games.

The paper concludes by reasserting the critical importance of the body within queer game studies, particularly for TGD players. It emphasizes the virtual body as a significant site for exploration, affirmation, and experimentation, extending beyond simple gender choices or predefined representations to encompass a deeper, more active engagement with virtual embodiment.