Celebrating Respectful Representations Of Blackness In Gaming

We present the following list of black characters who have appeared on our TV screens and computer monitors, in recognition of gaming’s many different narratives. Following lengthy discussions, we decided that it would be a good idea to focus on characters created by or inspired by black talent. We hope this will allow us to acknowledge the hardworking staff behind these characters.

Gaming is motivating. They can also reflect a changing fan base. Here are several black characters that have inspired us.

Lenny – Red Dead Redemption II

One of the youngest members of the Van der Linde gang, Lenny was born to former slaves in 1880. He was taught to read by his father and uncle, both of whom were also educated. When two drunken men killed Lenny’s father, he gunned them down in a fit of rage. He joins Van der Linde after three years of running away from the law and gains the trust of his friends.

Red Dead Redemption II’s Lenny is compelling because he is a vocal reminder of the heightened racial tensions that plagued the wild frontier. His family is subject to violence, and he shares his experiences with them in camp. The “Preaching Forgiveness As He Went” mission is particularly striking, as Lenny educates Arthur about the experiences of being black in a hateful America; “…but most of [racism is]One glance and a word. Then, it’s a night visit.

Grace – Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus & Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Grace Walker is a courageous, committed revolutionary. After suffering severe burn injuries from the atomic bombing, and losing her husband of 30 years, Grace is not unfamiliar with pain. Grace is still a member of the American Resistance, in Grace’s honor and to defend her country. 

To newbies such as B.J., she might seem a bit rough around the edges. There are team members she isn’t able to trust. This brave, strong heroine can be trusted with any machine gun and will get the job done along Wolfenstein’s toughest protagonists. Grace is a symbol of black resilience and strength in the face racism.

Lee/Clementine – Telltale’s The Walking Dead

A former history professor at the University of Georgia, Lee begins his apocalyptic journey, downcast, in the backseat of a cop car – not an ideal start for a black character in modern-day America. Lee meets Clementine, who is his saving grace. Lee and Clementine find absolution through their strong relationship. Clementine, however, transforms into both a leader & pseudo-parent in equal measures.

Lee is confronted with racism during his struggle for survival. However, his self-agency and determination are not affected by that. Lee rises above his enemies, protecting Clem against the horrors and even making the ultimate sacrifice. Years later, Clem evokes those same commendable qualities – making the hard, important decisions when no one else will and saving more than a few lives along the way. Clem, Lee, and others are proof of the dire need for more compelling black leads in blockbuster franchises. 

Alyx – Half-Life 2 & Half-Life: Alyx

The Combine quickly established its interdimensional control over humanity. Alyx, along with her father Eli, manage to escape from the chaos but are not able to flee without being hurt. The two eventually find some respite in nearby wasteland. A few years later, Alyx is recruited by the Resistance to help retake the planet. 

Alyx plays a crucial role in The Combine’s war effort. She also assists Gordon Freeman in Half-Life 2 when he travels through the Black Mesa regions. In her own standalone game, Alyx showcases her proficiency at hacking and combat, which, thankfully, frees her from the troubling but oft-repeated restrictions of the “damsel-in-distress” or “scantily clad-warrior” tropes. Alyx is the shining example for black femininity.

Captain Anderson – Mass Effect

Captain Anderson, one of the Alliance’s most respected soldiers is also a veteran in The First Contact War. This war was a series that took place after human contact with extraterrestrial life. Even though he has suffered personal difficulties and been betrayed by Mass Effect’s antagonist Saren, Anderson is Shepard’s loyalest supporter. You can easily defeat the most dangerous threat in the universe with his active guidance.

Anderson is a recipient of many decorations and commendations, such as captaining and completing the Normandy cruiser. He also graduated from the Alliance’s N7 branch and was instated the first human Council member. Anderson’s many occupational achievements are exceptional. Human ethnicity is not explored in Mass Effect, although it does deal with xenophobia (*ahem* Ashley). Anderson was included in this article because of the high and prestigious standards that he holds for his soldiers including Shepard. 

Barrett – Final Fantasy VII Remake

Final Fantasy VII Remake has been a blessing. Barrett is one gaming’s most famous black characters. It was still painful to witness his stereotypical body and othering diction from the original FFVII. 

Barrett still walks the fine line between “passionate environmental activist”, and “loud and angry black men.” However, his dialogue outside of battle and tense cinematics often reveal levels of depth that he lacked in the ’90s. Who can forget the riveting speech he gave about his complicity during the Shinra elevator scene? Barrett is not only a caring parent (much as our next entry), but a powerful icon for Sector 7, the citizens of the game, and their colorful group of heroes.

Jax – Mortal Kombat

This is the Outer World Investigation Agency’s military chief (O.I.C.). Since 1993’s second entry, he has been an integral part of the Mortal Kombat Series. He was first introduced to Mortal Kombat with his famous stainless-steel armour during the siege against Kano and his Black Dragon crime syndicate. His close friend Sonya Blade is also found in other games. Modern versions of the game show that he is now married to Vera and has begun a family. 

Jax is a stereotypically “big, angering black man” aesthetic. It is an evocative representation of the early and current video game visions of blackness such as Albert King and Barret Wallace (see above). Jax’s inclusion is not due to any other factors than his character. Jax is a charismatic leader, friend and protector, while most black fighters, like Bruce Irvin and Balrog, are bound by their dark pasts and hostile tendencies.

Billie Lurk – Dishonored 2 & Death of the Outsider

Lurk lives in constant tragedy. Deirdre was Deirdre’s first lover. She was born into poverty and abuse. Deirdre, after aggravating the two unsympathetic noblemen is killed. Billie watches the murder unfold and sheds blood. She eventually discovers the purpose of other people’s deaths. 

Billie has a dual identity, queer and black. This is significant. Although these two aspects of her character don’t get much attention, they make for a graceful portrayal that wouldn’t otherwise exist in Death of the Outsider. Billie is a unique protagonist, following in the path of Arkane Studios Emily Kaldwin. A veteran assassin, she is worthy to stand alongside the most hardcore gamers.  

Lúcio/Baptiste – Overwatch

Born into poverty amid the crammed favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Lúcio fell in love with sports and music. This passion became a constant and was the foundation for his successful career. Baptiste, a war orphan, enlists as a Haitian soldier and is a highly respected combat medic for many years. Baptiste is now unaffiliated and a Talon deserter. He evades all pursuers while helping people in distress.

Lucio and Baptiste were freedom fighters who stopped the evil Vishkar Corp. and Talon. They both are disenfranchised themselves and have black characters that give back to their communities.

Bangalore/Lifeline/Seer – Apex Legends

Lifeline, Seer, Bangalore and Lifeline are some of the most interesting, eccentric personalities among Apex Legends. It’s better to stay on their good side. 

Bangalore shares the same traits as her military families: she is honorable, dedicated and confident. Lifeline, a laid back medic and drummer who is known for saving her squad from death no matter what the odds. Und Seer, perhaps the most mysterious, of all the three, is a deity of some sort that rose through Arena ranks and inspired those who are less fortunate in the world. These three icons are emblems of Afrofuturistic excellence. 

Miles Morales – Marvel’s Spider-Man & Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

An undying Spider-Man fan, Miles’s world comes crashing down after his father is killed in a bombing orchestrated by Mister Negative. Miles, at the request of Aunt May and Peter, decides to help homeless people. This helps him get over his grief. He develops abilities and powers similar to Peter after being bitten by Oscorp’s toxic spider.  

A charismatic Afro-Latino from Brooklyn is the latest web-slinger who has donned the Spidey suit. Miles, who recently moved to Harlem for Insomniac Games’ second Spider-Man game, motivates him not to be afraid to stand up to Peter and to help those in his local community. Whether he’s donning the red and blue spandex or not, Miles continues to be one of the most inspiring/influential black heroes to grace our television screens.

Lincoln Clay – Mafia III

Lincoln is reunited with his family in New Bordeaux, Louisiana after the Vietnam War. His foster family the Robinsons is the Black Mob and Lincoln decides to start his own business. Soon after, tragedy strikes. Lincoln finds himself alone in a world that is determined on subjugating him and all those who look similar to him.

Mafia III’s use of prejudice as a storytelling device illuminates the sins of America’s past. Lincoln’s rejuvenation is made possible by these obstacles. Despite being a crime boss antihero (and another victim of the “big, angry black man” trope – see Barret), his story provides complex discourse on racism and its destructive power. Lincoln Clay is an historical icon of the 1960s Jim Crow South and racial tensions.

Cere – Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

Cere has done everything, and her impressive Force-enhanced record speaks for itself. Cere is an unconventional Knight who has progressive ideas about Jedi’s strict traditions. She also excels as a Seeker and overcame crippling depression through mentoring Cal Kestis. Unfortunately, Cere was a tragic hero whose redemptive journey cost her her former apprentice.

Cere’s strength lies not just in her ability to be a soldier, but also as a teacher. The future of Jedi Order, despite the sad ending to Respawn’s Star Wars adventure is bright due to the presence of a black woman. 

Colt Vahn/Julianna Blake – Deathloop

The friendly foes Colt, Julianna and Julianna remain locked in an endless battle against each other and time. The world is already rich with their hilarious banter, and the bloody encounters they have. With narrative twists and turns at every turn, the tension between the gunners is deliciously high as they unravel their relationship, while still trying to dodge death. 

While Colt and Julianna may not be the main focus of Deathloop’s story, from a design perspective, it is significant nonetheless. It’s not often that we get two black playable characters, so hopefully, their existence foreshadows a point in time when blackness is normalized in big-budget games. 

CJ – Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

CJ becomes the Grove Street Families’ selfmade kingpin, loosely based off the Bloods and Crips. He triumphs over oppressive socioeconomic systems and is a beloved hero of his community by the end.

CJ was instrumental in creating a new genre of narratives that appealed to a diverse audience. CJ is a prominent black actor in an iconic title. However, his actions in combating outside pressures reflect troubling stereotypes. He chooses to accept the violence of his local gangs and reaps the benefits. We’re grateful for CJ’s contribution to blackness in gaming, but he and some of his GTA predecessors (yes, even Franklin) symbolize an Afrocentric archetype that must be renounced.

Players from all walks of life can now see themselves through video games that contribute to contemporary discussions. This makes games more engaging and encourages inclusion. Positive representations encourage us to have higher expectations for others and ourselves, regardless our differences. 

For another foray into ethnic portrayals, check this out. And in celebration of Pride inclusivity, read Hunter Wolfe’s fantastic opinion piece on wanting to see more in-game LGBTQ events.