Binary Barriers: Avatar Creation and Play for Nonbinary Video Game Players

Abstract

Virtual spaces and video games offer a unique opportunity for nonbinary and gender-diverse users to embody and express a gender that is congruent with their identity. The aim of this study was to better understand character creation, avatar identification, and virtual gender expression for nonbinary players, who's gender does not typically align with traditional male/female binary avatar options. Twenty-five nonbinary video game players participated in exploratory semistructured interviews. A grounded theory approach was used to thematically analyze the transcribed data. Nonbinary players use avatars to explore and experience nonbinary gender expressions. When nonbinary gender options are not available, players describe methods for circumventing in-game features and norms. Participants express negative experiences due to gender choice constraints. Lastly, participants suggest features that would allow for a gender expression that is congruent to their own gender. These findings have important implications for improving the wellbeing of nonbinary and gender-diverse players.