Exclusive Interview with Apex Legends Dev: Unveiling Revolutionary LGBTQIA+ Representation and Pride Initiatives

Apex Legends is not just an immensely popular battle royale game; it goes beyond that. Though it may not have a conventional story, the essence of Apex Legends' storytelling lies in its diverse characters. These characters represent the world around them, originating from different backgrounds, possessing distinctive beliefs, and embracing various creeds. Ultimately, it is the characters themselves that truly shape the identity of this battle royale game.

In a recent interview with Ashley Reed, the narrative lead for Apex Legends, conducted by Game Rant, she delves into the many aspects that contribute to the game's inclusiveness and LGBTQIA+ friendliness. During the interview, Reed sheds light on the intricate details of LGBTQIA+ storylines and characters, emphasizing the efforts made by the development team to create a space that is welcoming and secure for individuals within the community. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, the following transcript has been edited.

How does Apex Legends incorporate LGBTQIA+ narratives and storylines into the gameplay?

One way we incorporate these narratives and storylines into our game is by providing characters with opportunities to discuss them. Since we are not a traditional single-player game, you won't see these events unfold in the middle of a match. However, you will hear characters share details about their personal lives. For example, Loba and Valkyrie may talk about their relationship, Gibraltar may reflect on past and present romantic experiences, and Catalyst may refer to herself as a 'grim trans witch.' These conversations are intertwined with the ongoing storylines of the characters and their overall interactions within the game world.

Q: The diverse and inclusive roster of characters in Apex Legends has received accolades. Can you shed light on the deliberate inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters in the game?

To ensure that LGBTQIA+ characters have well-developed personalities, intricate storylines, and relatable experiences, we meticulously craft their narratives, taking into account their diverse backgrounds and identities. Our goal is to authentically portray the breadth of the human experience, showcasing the struggles and triumphs that resonate with LGBTQIA+ individuals. By providing these characters with rich storylines and meaningful interactions, we aim to create a relatable and inclusive representation of the community in Apex Legends.

When developing non-binary characters like Bloodhound, we faced certain challenges. One of the key challenges was ensuring an authentic representation that accurately portrays the non-binary experience. To overcome this, our team prioritized the character's personality as the main focus during the design process. We recognized that there is no singular queer experience, and that queerness is just one aspect of a person's identity rather than their entirety.

By centering the character's personality, we were able to make informed decisions on how different parts of their identity are expressed. It is important to note that no one character can represent everyone entirely, and it can be difficult to accept that we may not capture every subgroup perfectly. However, embracing this mindset allowed us to create nuanced and interesting individuals, rather than showcasing a mishmash of unrelated ideas. This approach ensured that Bloodhound, as a non-binary character, was developed with authenticity and respect in mind.

I did not participate in the initial design of Bloodhound at Respawn. However, based on my experience, we actively engage with developers from specific communities (such as nonbinary developers and their loved ones in the case of Bloodhound) during the early stages. We then continue to seek their input as the development progresses. This is evident in our collaborations with Māui Studios for Mad Maggie and GLAAD for Catalyst. Creating a character can be a challenging task, as it involves navigating potential pitfalls that may not initially be obvious. In the case of Bloodhound, it became apparent to me how heavily English relies on pronouns in everyday usage, which led me to contemplate pronouns in a different light while writing for Bloodhound. Therefore, this inclusive development process is crucial to ensure that we avoid overlooking any potential issues.

At Respawn, we strive to cultivate an inclusive work environment that embraces LGBTQ+ individuals, and this philosophy extends to the characters we design and the community we aim to build. It is our goal for players to perceive Apex as a realm that not only mirrors their own identities, but also provides them with a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Q: Can you share any information regarding the possibility of future trans characters in Apex Legends after Catalyst?

At this moment, I am unable to provide details about our future plans. However, we truly appreciate the enthusiasm and interest shown by our fans regarding the future developments of Apex Legends.

What message do you want LGBTQIA+ players to take away from their experience playing Apex Legends and engaging with its diverse cast of characters?

You're invited! We strive for your enjoyment while playing Apex, and we aim for you to feel embraced and acknowledged in this vision of the future.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for the questions! And thank you to everyone who has played and loved Catalyst, and all our other LGBTQIA+ characters. Happy Pride Month!

Apex Legends is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.