Tyler's status as the first transgender character to star in a AAA video game for a major developmental studio received significant media coverage prior to and after the release of Tell Me Why.
[1] The studio wanted to ensure that Tyler's experience is grounded in authenticity, not only shunning stereotypes and tropes about transgender people, but also that the character is not solely defined by his gender and trauma.
In anticipation of mistrust or pessimism that the portrayals of characters like Tyler may be insincere or unempathetic, Carmouche pointed out that a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page is available on the official website of Tell Me Why to address such concerns as well as clarifying the direction of the narrative as determined by its developers.
[3] To him, authentic representation is crucial due to the fact that storytelling in video games often place players from the perspective of characters they may not necessarily relate to, which presents a "unique opportunity to drive empathy and share experiences”.
Dontnod consulted GLAAD, a non-governmental organization (NGO) originally founded to monitor potentially defamatory media coverage and depictions of LGBT people, for advice and input in the development of Tyler as an authentic transgender character.
Guillaume credited GLAAD, particularly its director of transgender representation Nick Adams, for their assistance into script reviews and casting for Tyler, as well as its efforts in LGBTQ+ community outreach.
Adams said that it is important that Tyler is a "realistic hero" and that Tell Me Why fosters an inclusive gaming experience, as "authentic media portrayals of trans characters can be a powerful tool for acceptance and understanding".
[2] Players may decide during the course of the narrative as to whether Tyler develops a romantic relationship with Michael, Alyson's friend and colleague at the local café and convenience store in Delos Crossing.
As they explore the house and clear out Mary-Ann's bedroom, they discover a book of parenting advice on raising a transgender child, alongside a leaflet for a gay conversion camp.
Tyler steps away from Alyson following an argument about the circumstances surrounding their mother's death, but regroups with his sister when she discovers a hidden loft area located above the family barn.
[2] Given the context of an expansive Q&A released by the developers explaining how they intended to portray Tyler, Stacey Henley noted that the idea of using gendered pronouns with consideration for transgender rights is controversial and risked provoking a backlash from some quarters.
Tyler was named Best LGBTQ Character at the inaugural Gayming Awards, which was presented by EA Games and broadcast worldwide through streaming platform Twitch on February 24, 2021.
She appreciated how elements of his gender identity, life and history were presented simply as a story aspect which never dominates the wider plot or being designated as its "ultimate truth", and neither is it trivialized as "incidental cosmetic detail".
[8] Crucially, Killin drew attention to the fact that Tyler is identified as transgender through the character's own words: players may encounter his "reminders to take testosterone shots and renew his prescription written on his wall calendar", or hear about "his self-directed discussions of binding and how he is considering chest surgery in the future".
[9] Within this context, Deitz said Tyler constantly faces this dilemma as he is no longer the same person as the one from ten years ago, but to move on with his life, he must unearth the causes of what happened in the past.