The Nintendo Switch remake of the classic role-playing game “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” includes a transgender character named Vivian. Originally appearing in the 2004 version of the game for the Nintendo Game Cube, Vivian was born male and initially portrayed as a villain alongside her sisters Marilyn and Bedlam. However, Vivian decides to leave her sisters due to their constant bullying against her.
In the updated version of the game released on Thursday, Vivian is portrayed as stating, “Truth is, it took me a while to realize I was their sister… not their brother.” The new edition of the game does not seem to be a woke reboot, but a notable change is the more celebratory attitude towards Vivian’s transgender identity compared to the original English translation from 2004 where Vivian was not identified as transgender.
The character of Vivian in the new 2024 edition, as well as the original 2004 Japanese version, has been subjected to teasing from her sisters, but in the updated game, the teasing is toned down. This change signifies a more positive and accepting portrayal of Vivian’s trans identity in the game. This highlights a shift towards more inclusive and diverse representation in video games, moving away from outdated stereotypes.
Vivian is not the first transgender character to appear in video games on consoles, as the Harry Potter video game “Hogwarts Legacy” featured a transgender character named Sirona Ryan in February 2023. Sirona Ryan is the first trans character in the Harry Potter universe, working as a barkeep in the Three Broomsticks tavern in Hogsmeade village. With the inclusion of characters like Vivian and Sirona Ryan in popular video games, representation of transgender individuals in the gaming industry is gaining more visibility.
The portrayal of Vivian’s journey as a transgender character in “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door” sheds light on the challenges faced by transgender individuals in society. Despite the teasing and bullying she experiences, Vivian’s decision to leave her sisters behind and embrace her true identity reflects themes of self-acceptance and empowerment. This representation serves as a step towards promoting understanding and empathy for transgender individuals in the gaming community.
By including a transgender character like Vivian in the remake of “Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door,” game developers are contributing to the diversification of the gaming industry and promoting inclusivity. The updated version of the game presents Vivian’s story in a more positive and affirming light, allowing players to engage with a character whose identity reflects the experiences of transgender individuals. This shift towards more extensive representation in video games signals progress towards creating a more inclusive environment for all players, regardless of their gender identity.
