At a time when digital communication shapes identity in countless ways, a new study from Monash University offers a rare look at how video games can create space for gender euphoria.
Led by researchers with lived experience, the work highlights how inclusive game design can affirm identity, reduce stigma and bring moments of joy to transgender players.
Presented at the ACM SIGCHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI’25) in Japan, the research focused on how games can be a source of gender euphoria–the joy someone feels when their gender identity is genuinely recognised or expressed. While often unremarkable for some, this feeling can be deeply significant for others, particularly in spaces where affirmation is rare.
The team, made up of four game design experts who are also trans women, examined 25 games to better understand what makes certain designs so powerful. Among their case studies were Cyberpunk 2077, Celeste, Animal Crossing: New Horizons and One Night, Hot Springs. Each offered insights into how features like character customisation, narrative inclusion and everyday interaction can lead to a sense of affirmation.
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Games design expert and coordinating author of the paper, Associate Professor Phoebe Toups Dugas from Monash University’s Exertion Games Lab at the Faculty of Information Technology said often trans experiences in games are framed around trauma or exclusion–a trap she and her team felt they fell into with their earlier research. This time, they were driven by hope.
One example was Claire Russell from Cyberpunk 2077, a trans non-player character whose storyline develops naturally through the game. Rather than centring her identity as a point of conflict, the game allows her character to evolve on her own terms. This, the study found, gave players a chance to experience “parasocial” gender euphoria–feeling connected to someone who is seen and respected in their world.
With more discussions about identity taking place across social media and gaming platforms, the research sends a clear message: representation matters, but so does how it’s done.
“Designing for gender euphoria doesn’t just benefit trans players, it also helps build richer, more inclusive worlds for everyone,” said Associate Professor Toups Dugas.
Beyond gaming, the findings offer valuable lessons for communicators, digital designers and developers alike–a reminder that thoughtful design choices can foster inclusion, belonging and moments of shared humanity.
