Don’t Nod, the renowned developers behind popular titles like Life is Strange and the upcoming Lost Records: Bloom and Rage, are celebrating Pride Month in a unique way. They have decided to offer their episodic adventure game, Tell Me Why, for free during this special month.
Tell Me Why revolves around the story of Tyler Ronan and his twin sister Alyson. Tyler, the protagonist, is a trans man, and the game beautifully explores his life both before and after his transition, incorporating flashbacks to their childhood.
For Don’t Nod, this initiative is not new. The studio has a history of incorporating LGBTQ+ themes and characters into their games. However, the spotlight on Tyler’s gender identity in Tell Me Why is particularly significant as he is the first trans protagonist in a AAA video game.
While there have been notable trans side characters in other games, such as Lev from The Last of Us Part II and Krem from Dragon Age: Inquisition, few AAA titles have placed trans individuals at the forefront of the narrative.
As players enjoy Tell Me Why at no cost, Don’t Nod encourages them to consider donating the money they would have spent on the game to trans-inclusive charities or supporting their trans friends. This gesture of solidarity and allyship is a meaningful way to show support.
Looking ahead, Don’t Nod’s upcoming project, Lost Records, is scheduled to launch in 2024 with two episodes, the second following shortly after the first. While the game shares similarities with their previous works, it introduces a fresh series with unique worldbuilding and characters distinct from Life is Strange and Tell Me Why.
In an interview with Kotaku, creative director Michel Koch revealed that the team sought greater creative freedom with Lost Records, a departure from their experience working with a publisher on Life is Strange. For those unfamiliar with Don’t Nod’s narrative-driven games, titles like Life is Strange 2 have been critically acclaimed, with many considering it one of the best games of 2019.
While Tell Me Why is currently available for free in honor of Pride Month, Life is Strange 2 remains a standout title that shouldn’t be overlooked. As players explore these captivating narratives, they not only enjoy engaging gameplay but also gain insights into diverse characters and important social themes.