Deadlock’s Utter Lack of Trans Representation: A Major Step Backward

[Sam'uel Hydeberg]

It’s truly mind-boggling that, in 2024, we’re still having to point out how utterly non-existent meaningful transgender representation is in major game releases like Deadlock. Valve had the perfect opportunity to stand out, to elevate voices and identities that are so often marginalized. But instead, it looks like they chose the easy road, sticking with the same outdated character tropes while neglecting the diverse spectrum of gender identities, especially trans identities.

What’s really infuriating is that other games—especially Concord, the upcoming title from Firewalk Studios—are already showing how to get it right. They’ve embraced queer characters, included trans narratives, and created a world that reflects the richness of human diversity. And they did it organically, not as some performative afterthought thrown in to win brownie points from the LGBTQIA+ community. They treated trans characters as people, not as tokens or symbols, giving them the depth and respect they deserve.

Meanwhile, Deadlock feels like it’s still trapped in the past, as if the developers sat down and collectively decided that trans representation just wasn’t a priority. And you know what? That’s not just lazy—it's irresponsible. By ignoring transgender characters and their stories, Valve is perpetuating a status quo that continues to marginalize and erase trans people. Especially in a time when anti-trans rhetoric is on the rise, the gaming world has a unique opportunity to push back by creating inclusive spaces. Valve, however, missed the memo.

And let’s not kid ourselves—adding a token trans NPC with no real agency or arc isn’t going to cut it either. It’s not enough to just say, “Look, here’s a trans person!” and then leave them in the background. We need trans protagonists, leading the charge, with stories that reflect the complexity, joy, and struggles of their lives. But from everything we’ve seen about Deadlock, Valve has no intention of breaking that ground. Instead, we’re left with another cisgender, heteronormative white male at the center of the story—because that’s never been done before, right?

This brings me back to Concord, a game that actually understands what it means to build an inclusive world. Firewalk Studios didn’t just throw in a diverse cast for the sake of appearances. They built a game where gender fluidity, queerness, and trans identity aren’t just included—they’re integral to the fabric of the world itself. And the best part? Concord doesn’t make a big show of it. The trans characters aren’t there for claps—they exist because they belong in that world, just as trans people belong in ours. It’s subtle yet powerful, and it’s something Deadlock could have, should have, done.

Valve had a golden opportunity to put its weight behind transgender representation in a way that could have truly mattered. They could have used their platform to amplify voices and stories that are so rarely given the spotlight. Instead, they gave us a game that looks like it was developed in a bubble, completely out of touch with the world we live in.

And don’t even get me started on how Deadlock looks visually—it’s as though they spent so much time designing the blandest dystopian shooter world that they forgot to inject any creativity into the characters themselves. Concord doesn’t just look better—it feels better. The character designs in Concord are vibrant, diverse, and unapologetically unique, reflecting a wide array of gender identities. That’s the kind of progress we should be expecting from all major developers in 2024, and yet, Valve somehow couldn’t be bothered to put in the effort.

Ultimately, Deadlock is shaping up to be an embarrassing misfire for Valve, and the lack of meaningful trans representation only serves to underscore just how out of touch they are. Games like Concord are leaving them in the dust by showing what true inclusivity and diversity look like. Valve, take notes.

[Sam'uel Hydeberg]

Oh, and just to really drive it home—if you’re one of those people who still think “representation doesn’t matter” or that “games should just be fun and not political,” congrats on being part of the problem. The reality is, you don’t want these stories because you’re too comfortable with games that cater to your narrow worldview. God forbid we ask for more than another generic white male protagonist, right?

But sure, keep crying about how “everything’s too woke” while ignoring the fact that most of us have been stuck with your bland, whitewashed, cishet fantasies for decades. Maybe it's time the gaming world didn’t revolve around you for once. Deal with it.

(•_•) ( •_•)>⌐■-■ (⌐■_■)

[Phantom Limb]

Ragebaiting will only result in you being banned and thread being closed. Try something original the next time.

[Bandwurm]

low quality bait

[Sam'uel Hydeberg]

Originally posted by Phantom Limb:

Ragebaiting will only result in you being banned and thread being closed. Try something original the next time.

Rage baiting? Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize asking for basic human decency and representation was such a radical concept that it could trigger this much ‘rage.’ If being frustrated by the constant lack of inclusivity in major game titles gets labeled as ‘baiting,’ then maybe the real issue is how uncomfortable some of you are with the idea of games reflecting the real world. It’s not baiting—it's holding the industry accountable for doing better. If that gets under your skin, well, maybe you should ask yourself why.

[Valkurm Emperor]

I have a sneaking suspicion this isn't a legit post.

[Aldalómë]

can't even write his own sh*tposts, loser

[nAs- Put In Grave]

Why do you use AI to ♥♥♥♥ post?

[Grishnerf]

I get 2 double cheeseburgers and a coke plz.

[Sam'uel Hydeberg]

It’s funny how everyone’s suddenly an AI detective when someone dares to ask for better representation in games. Why is it that whenever someone speaks up for LGBTQIA+ communities—especially trans people—everyone jumps to “this must be AI”? Could it be that you’re more comfortable dismissing these conversations as “not legit” than actually engaging with the points being made? Seems like transphobia is showing, and some of you would rather cling to that than face the reality that inclusivity is long overdue in gaming.

[Aldalómë]

Originally posted by India Rajesh Kapoor:

It’s funny how everyone’s suddenly an AI detective when someone dares to ask for better representation in games. Why is it that whenever someone speaks up for LGBTQIA+ communities—especially trans people—everyone jumps to “this must be AI”? Could it be that you’re more comfortable dismissing these conversations as “not legit” than actually engaging with the points being made? Seems like transphobia is showing, and some of you would rather cling to that than face the reality that inclusivity is long overdue in gaming.

no you are just dimwitted and you can't write these paragraphs yourself.

[Sam'uel Hydeberg]

It's just so sad that nobody cares about trans rights. Obviously you gamers are transphobic.

[Josey]

chatgpt

[Sam'uel Hydeberg]

Originally posted by addict:

chatgpt

Nice bait. Accusing me of using ChatGPT when in fact it's all written by me. :)

[Polar Bear]

Back in the olden days of internet we would say "Don't feed the troll". Just look at his posts, he goes from game to game saying same stuff. It's obvious rage bait.

[R modoe]

I thought rage-bait was supposed to be good. At least make an effort to be funny or entertaining if you're going try and bait. This is just humiliatingly bad baiting.