How Video Games Promote Gender Euphoria for Transgender Players

A pioneering study conducted by researchers at Monash University highlights the vital role that thoughtfully designed video games can play in fostering gender euphoria among transgender individuals. Gender euphoria refers to the positive feelings of authenticity, joy, and affirmation experienced when one's gender identity is recognized and expressed in a manner that aligns with their true self. The research emphasizes that game design choices—such as inclusive narratives, authentic character representation, and customizable features—are crucial in creating safe and affirming digital spaces.

Presented at the ACM SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI'25) held in Japan, the study analyzed 25 games, including popular titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Celeste, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and others, to understand how specific design elements induce gender euphoria. The research was led by four game design experts, including trans women, whose personal experiences deeply informed their insights.

The findings reveal that game developers can intentionally craft environments that de-stigmatize gender diversity, promote self-expression, and support identity exploration. For example, in Cyberpunk 2077, the character Claire Russell is a trans woman NPC whose confident portrayal and meaningful relationships contribute to players experiencing "parasocial" gender euphoria—an emotional connection with the character within an accepting world.

Associate Professor Phoebe Toups Dugas from Monash's Exertion Games Lab underscores that creating these joyful spaces benefits not only trans players but also enhances overall inclusivity in gaming worlds. Their research offers practical recommendations for game designers and HCI researchers aiming to develop digital experiences that foster mental well-being, authentic representation, and identity affirmation.

Looking ahead, the study aims to empower game developers and HCI researchers to further explore and implement diverse, gender-affirming features, ultimately contributing to more inclusive and affirming digital environments for everyone.

This research was a collaborative effort between Monash University and Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, USA.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-video-games-gender-euphoria-transgender.html