Games as Escapism for Trans Folk

Replaying Dragon Age: Inquisition roughly this time last year as a female character using the name I was considering at the time (and then going on to replay every single player RPG I owned doing the same...) was so helpful in getting my thought process going as to how I felt about my gender identity, and that game's always gonna mean a lot to me for that reason alone.

 

I tend to play typical guys games (think shooter). These are the only ones I use for this purpose, I'm basically playing anything.

 

MMORPGs are my jam. And yes, I DO use it as a form of escapism, and I've found it can be a healthy way to lessen dysphoria. Mine hasn't been as bad since I started playing again, because I'm female in those games, and am interacted with and treated as such. ALL my characters are girls, and they're all different classes and such.

Right now it's mostly Star Wars: The Old Republic, with a bit of Lord of the Rings Online thrown in.

 

Grand Theft Auto: Online is my escape.

The character customisation options are fantastic.
Even better are the insane amounts of available clothing, shoes, tattoos and hairstyles.

 

When I play games where you can choose gender I always pick male. I use gaming to escape life in general. And I play just about anything.

 

@WarmEmbrace: Oh yeah, I do play racing games but not for lessening dysphoria.

I also like the Assassins Creed Series very much. A great open world and sometimes it gets me into the idea of starting parkour...maybe I will after the winter is over.

 

I play all sorts of games. Most not for relieving dypshoria though.

But, games that allow me to freely choose gender or romance who I want in the game help a lot.

 

Yes, I definitely would agree that I've used video games to escape gender for a while. In fact it really makes sense, looking back, that the reason I chose certain games (such as RPG's) was to express the longing to be male.

For example, I have always played as a male character. If there was a choice, it was a guy. In RPGs, I would create - essentially - a male version of myself or what I wished I looked like. Whether this was in fantasy like the Elder Scrolls or a game like Sims where I could have a "normal life" as a guy. I would seek out games that gave me freedom in gender expression. Because I wasn't allowed that in real life.

It was never intentional, but I think the fact I was always so consistent in this regard was due to that secret, almost sad, wishfulness to be what the world told me I could never be.

 

@Kodo: So did I, when I had the choice. There was only one occasion when I had a female character and that was because I didn't get along with my male swordfighter and the other male character didn't suit me at all. So I had the hot girl with the gun

Even in Pokemon when the gender differences are almost non-existent I clicked on boy as a reflex, as fast as you close your eye before you get something in.

 

I don't like MMOs or co-op/multiplayer games in general. I find that when I play games I want to be alone and not have to worry about other players. That being said I can see the appeal of some of them.

I use video games as a method of escapism in general, not just because I'm trans. That being said it is comforting to be able to play male characters and be represented by them. That's all always fun.

I play all sorts, RPGs and racing games are my favourites. Fallout, Mass Effect, Forza, Burnout, Dragon Age, man you name it.

One of my goals is to actually develop "visual novels" through RPGMaker. Another form of escapism perhaps? Regardless I have stories to tell and want people to play them. Lol

 

I play a lot of games for escapism but not necessarily because of gender dysphoria.

 

yes yes yes

all of them

 

It definitely does help, yes!

 

Games have always been an escapism from me that I have used a lot. Whenever I felt gender dysphoria, I'd load up a game with a female player character and I'd feel better. I still do.

 

Sims!
Haha~

 

Yes, very much, especially RPGs. Final Fantasy, Elder Scrolls... And also Sims. Not an RPG, but I always find myself spending the most time with male characters.

FPS and racing games are also great, though they don't do as much in terms of escapism for me.

 

Same here. If anything, I've played games more as a coping mechanism for my mental illnesses more than my dysphoria.