Dead By Daylight developer accused of ‘transphobia’ by trans voice actor who says she was ‘tricked’
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Behaviour Interactive recently made headlines with the latest update to their popular online survival horror game, Dead By Daylight. The update introduced a new killer known as The Unknown, a malevolent shape-shifting entity voiced by a transgender woman. However, controversy soon erupted as complaints arose regarding The Unknown’s appearance, particularly a skin where the creature is depicted as a grotesque giant dressed in a cheerleader costume and wig.
The voice actor behind The Unknown took to social media to express her concerns, claiming that she was “tricked” into contributing to the creation of what she perceived as a trans stereotype. She accused Behaviour Interactive of basing the character on her trans identity and criticized the cheerleader skins as transphobic, stating that she felt physically at risk due to the developer’s choices.
In response to the backlash, the voice actor clarified that her issue was not with the skins themselves but with the lack of communication regarding the character’s final look. She emphasized that Behaviour Interactive is not a transphobic company and expressed gratitude for their support through the challenging situation.
The Unknown in Dead By Daylight is described as a genderless entity that adapts its appearance as needed, with a tall, bent, twisted humanoid form and a voice that fluctuates between masculine and feminine. While some players praised the character’s unique design, others criticized the cheerleader skins for perpetuating harmful stereotypes of trans women.
Behaviour Interactive faced further scrutiny for the portrayal of The Unknown, with some users on the game’s forum pointing out the potential harm in depicting a masculinized body in feminine clothing as dangerous and grotesque. Despite differing opinions among players, the controversy sparked important discussions about representation and inclusivity in gaming.
In November, Behaviour Interactive received praise for introducing Tubarāo, the game’s first transgender character, an “unbreakable” trans man originally from Rainbow Six Siege. This positive representation was overshadowed by the backlash surrounding The Unknown, highlighting the complexities of representing marginalized communities in video games.
A spokesperson for Behaviour Interactive addressed the controversy, condemning the targeted harassment and hate speech directed towards players and the voice actor behind The Unknown. The company reaffirmed its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive community within Dead By Daylight and expressed support for the voice actress amidst the backlash.
As the gaming industry continues to navigate issues of representation and diversity, incidents like the controversy surrounding The Unknown serve as a reminder of the importance of thoughtful and respectful portrayal of marginalized communities in video games. Behaviour Interactive’s response to the situation reflects a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all players.
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Dead By Daylight
