Tell Me Why, a stunning supernatural thriller and exploration of transness, is now free to play
Tell Me Why (Dontnod Entertainment)
The first episode of Dontnod’s trans narrative game Tell Me Why is now available to play for free.
Released in August last year, the game is split into three episodes (originally released weekly) that tell a homecoming story with a supernatural twist.
It centres on a pair of twins with telekinetic powers, Alyson and Tyler Ronan, who must uncover the mystery behind a troubling death. What’s more, the game explores Tyler’s experience being a trans man in smalltown America.
The first episode is now available for free permanently on both the Steam and Microsoft stores. It’s also already part of the Xbox Game Pass.
The game is notable for its trans representation, with developer Dontnod working closely with GLAAD to ensure an authentic depiction. The character is also voiced by trans actor August Aiden Black.
Most recently, the game won two awards at the inaugural Gayming Magazine awards – the world’s first LGBT+ gaming awards. Tell Me Why won the Authentic Representation award and Best Character award for Tyler.
“[Tyler] and I bonded over our strength as trans men and our dedication and determination to live beyond a label,” said Black in his acceptance speech.
The game has also been nominated for a BAFTA Gaming award in the Game Beyond Entertainment category. The award show will be streamed on 25 March.
Dontnod are best known for their Life Is Strange series of narrative games, the first of which (and its prequel) portray a young woman exploring her queer identity. The sequel, Life Is Strange 2, is a separate story that also explores bisexuality.
The French studio is therefore building a reputation for cinematic narrative games fuelled by player choice and consequence, with a healthy dose of LGBT+ representation and a smattering of supernatural elements.
Tell Me Why is no exception and a game that should not be missed.
