The Creation and Significance of Apex Legends' First Trans Character

The introduction of Catalyst, Apex Legends' first trans character, was a deliberate and thoughtful process. According to lead writer Ashley Reed, the character's name was inspired by a brainstorming session focused on her in-game abilities, which involve creating a chemical reaction in ferrofluid. The name 'Catalyst' was suggested by a former designer and quickly gained approval from the team and the legal department. The creation of Catalyst was a collaborative effort, with Respawn working closely with trans developers and consulting with GLAAD to ensure that the character was represented authentically and respectfully. Voice actor Meli Grant, who is openly trans, was also involved in the process and appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the character's development. The team's approach to introducing a trans character was driven by a desire to create a diverse and inclusive cast, with Reed explaining that 'Apex has been really dedicated to creating a diverse cast because we think it's very important.' The decision to create a trans character was not taken lightly, and the team was mindful of the potential impact on the game's community. Reed notes that 'it would feel really bad to design a character with this part of their identity totally not in mind and then just be like 'A-ha!' and stick it on.' Instead, the team aimed to create a character that felt authentic and true to themselves. Grant believes that this approach is essential for creating meaningful and impactful representation in games. She suggests that companies should involve people from marginalized groups in the creative process and provide opportunities for them to tell their own stories. By doing so, companies can create a more authentic and resonant experience for players. The team's experience in creating Catalyst was positive, with Lee describing it as 'a nice memory and a nice experience.' The key takeaway from their experience is that developers should not be afraid to include trans characters in their games, but rather approach the process with sensitivity, respect, and a willingness to learn and collaborate.