Unveiling the Creation of Apex Legends' First Trans Character

The introduction of Catalyst, Apex Legends' first trans character, marked a significant milestone for Respawn Entertainment. 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 name also worked well from a gameplay perspective, as players could easily communicate about the character's actions. The creation process for Catalyst was deliberate and thoughtful, with Respawn aiming to create a diverse cast of characters that reflects the world we live in today and the future we hope for. Reed emphasizes that the decision to include a trans character in the game was driven by a desire to create a diverse and inclusive game world. To ensure that the character was well-represented, Respawn enlisted the help of trans developers and consulted with GLAAD to get feedback and guidance on the character's development. The collaboration with GLAAD was described as smooth and helpful, with the organization providing valuable insights and suggestions. Catalyst's voice actor, Meli Grant, who is openly trans, was also involved in the character's development and praised the collaborative process. Grant believes that it's essential to involve people from marginalized groups in the creative process to ensure authenticity and representation. She notes that simply adding queer characters or characters of color to a story without involving people from those groups in the creative process can undermine the potential benefits of representation. Grant also emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for people from marginalized groups to tell their own stories and to be involved in the creative process. Reed suggests that the key to creating a well-represented trans character is to have a clear viewpoint for the character and to stay true to that vision. She notes that there is no one 'right' way to be trans, and that trying to please everyone can result in a character that feels like a 'nothing.' Instead, developers should focus on creating a character that feels like a real person, with their own unique experiences and perspective. The team behind Catalyst's development offers words of encouragement to other developers looking to include trans characters in their games, urging them not to be afraid and to approach the process with an open mind and a willingness to learn.