Celebrating Black History Month in Gaming

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s time to recognize the Black characters who have shaped gaming culture and broken barriers in an industry that has historically struggled with representation. These characters aren’t just pixels on a screen—they’re cultural touchstones who have inspired players, challenged stereotypes, and proven that diverse representation and storytelling makes games richer and more meaningful.

Iconic Black Playable Characters

Balrog from Street Fighter Series (1991)

Balrog (known as M. Bison in Japan), the hard-hitting boxer introduced in Street Fighter II, brought raw power and one of gaming’s most devastating punches to the franchise. While initially portrayed as a villain, his character has evolved over decades of appearances, becoming one of Street Fighter’s most recognizable fighters with his aggressive boxing style and incredible strength.

Major Jackson “Jax” Briggs from Mortal Kombat Series (1993)

Jax has been kicking ass in the Mortal Kombat series for three decades. With his iconic metal arms and powerful fighting style, Jax became one of fighting games’ most enduring characters. His military background, dedication to protecting Earthrealm, and his role as a father added layers to a character who could have easily been one-dimensional.

Barrett Wallace from Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Barrett was one of gaming’s first prominent Black characters in a Japanese RPG, breaking ground in a genre that had been notably homogeneous. The eco-terrorist leader of AVALANCHE was complex, passionate, and devoted to his adopted daughter Marlene. While his initial design had problematic elements, his character arc about fighting for the planet and protecting his community made him memorable and beloved.

Eddy Gordo from Tekken 3 (1997)

Eddy Gordo brought the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira to mainstream gaming when he debuted in Tekken 3. His fluid, dance-like movements made him instantly recognizable and incredibly fun to play, introducing players worldwide to Capoeira’s acrobatic beauty. Eddy became one of Tekken‘s most popular and enduring characters while representing Afro-Brazilian culture.

Michael LeRoi (Shadow Man) from Shadow Man (1999)

Michael LeRoi made history as one of the first Black solo lead protagonists. As Shadow Man, this newly appointed voodoo warrior protected the world from supernatural threats emerging from Deadside. His dark, mature story of redemption and duty, combined with his intelligent characterization that avoided stereotypes, made him stand out in an era when Black gaming protagonists were rare.

Carl “CJ” Johnson from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004)

CJ brought unprecedented depth to the GTA franchise. Set against the backdrop of early 1990s Los Angeles, CJ’s story explored gang culture, family, loyalty, and the struggle for redemption with a nuance rarely seen in gaming at the time. His journey resonated with millions of players worldwide and proved that a Black protagonist could carry one of gaming’s biggest franchises.

Alyx Vance from Half-Life Series (2004)

Alyx became one of gaming’s most beloved companions, brilliant and capable without falling into tired stereotypes. As a resistance fighter and scientist’s daughter, she was instrumental to the story, eventually earning her own VR title, Half-Life: Alyx. Her character was groundbreaking for treating a Black woman as simply a fully-realized, essential character.

Augustus “Cole Train” Cole from Gears of War Series (2006)

Augustus “Cole Train” Cole brought energy, heart, and much-needed levity to the grim world of Sera. The former Thrashball star turned COG soldier was fully playable in various modes throughout the series, known for his booming voice, infectious enthusiasm, and the iconic “Cole Train runs on whole grain!” Since his debut in the first Gears of War, Cole became one of the franchise’s most beloved characters.

Sheva Alomar from Resident Evil 5 (2009)

Sheva Alomar was more than just Chris Redfield’s partner, she was a fully playable co-protagonist throughout Resident Evil 5. As a member of the BSAA West African branch, Sheva brought local knowledge, combat expertise, and personal investment to the fight against bioterrorism in Africa. She was one of the first Black women to play such a prominent playable role in the Resident Evil franchise, proving equally capable whether controlled by a second player or AI.

Lee Everett from The Walking Dead (2012)

Telltale’s The Walking Dead introduced players to Lee Everett, a former professor navigating a zombie apocalypse while protecting young Clementine. Lee’s story was one of gaming’s most emotionally powerful narratives, exploring themes of redemption, sacrifice, and found family. His character proved that Black protagonists could anchor narrative-driven games and connect with audiences on a profound emotional level.

Clementine from The Walking Dead Series (2012)

While Lee was Clementine’s protector in the first season, Clementine herself grew into one of gaming’s most compelling protagonists. As she matured from a vulnerable child into a hardened survivor across four seasons, players watched her navigate impossible choices and become a protector in her own right. Her journey represents one of gaming’s most complete character arcs.

Franklin Clinton from Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

Franklin brought a different perspective to GTA V’s trio of protagonists. As a young repo man from South Los Santos trying to escape gang life and make something of himself, Franklin represented ambition and upward mobility in a world designed to keep him down. His character arc about choosing between loyalty and opportunity resonated with players, and he proved to be the moral center of the chaotic story.

Ekko from League of Legends (2015)

The Boy Who Shattered Time brought both ingenuity and street-smart survival to League of Legends and the popular adaptation Arcane. As a young inventor from Zaun who can manipulate time, Ekko represents Black excellence in STEM fields while staying connected to his community and resisting against oppression.

Jameson Locke from Halo 5: Guardians (2015)

Jameson Locke entered the Halo franchise as a Spartan-IV and the leader of Fireteam Osiris, tasked with hunting down Master Chief who had gone AWOL. While Halo 5’s campaign received mixed reception, Locke represented an ambitious attempt to expand the series with a new Black protagonist who could carry the franchise forward. His inclusion showed 343 Industries’ commitment to diversifying the Halo universe’s heroes, even if the execution didn’t fully realize his potential as a character.

Lincoln Clay from Mafia III (2016)

Lincoln Clay’s story was one of the most powerful narratives in gaming. As a Black Vietnam veteran returning to 1968 New Bordeaux (fictional New Orleans) only to see his adoptive family murdered by the Italian mob, Lincoln’s quest for revenge became a meditation on racism, violence, and the American Dream’s broken promises. The game was heralded for not shying away from depicting the brutal reality of racism in the 1960s South.

Marcus Holloway from Watch_Dogs 2 (2016)

Marcus Holloway was the tech genius protagonist of Watch_Dogs 2 who was wrongly accused by ctOS for crimes he didn’t commit. He joined the hacker collective DedSec to expose corruption and fight mass surveillance occurring in San Francisco. His character celebrated Bay Area culture while addressing surveillance’s disproportionate impact on marginalized communities.

Bayek from Assassin’s Creed Origins (2017)

Bayek of Siwa brought players to ancient Egypt as the last Medjay and founder of the Assassin Brotherhood. His personal quest for vengeance after his son’s murder evolved into a mission to protect the innocent and fight tyranny alongside his wife Aya. Bayek’s characterization was remarkable for its emotional depth—fierce yet compassionate, deadly yet principled. As the origin story of the Assassins, Bayek proved that an African setting with a Black protagonist could anchor one of gaming’s biggest franchises.

Colt Vahn from Deathloop (2021)

Colt Vahn is trapped in a time loop on Blackreef, forced to relive the same day while hunted by rival assassin Julianna Blake. As Arkane’s protagonist, Colt must assassinate eight targets in a single loop to break free, using his sardonic humor and style to navigate the 1960s-inspired setting while uncovering the mysteries of the loop and his forgotten past. The dynamic between Colt and Julianna created one of gaming’s most innovative protagonist-antagonist relationships, with both characters being Black bringing rare representation to the AAA FPS genre.

Wyll Ravengard from Baldur’s Gate 3 (2023)

The Blade of Frontiers arrived in Baldur’s Gate 3 with heroic swagger and a complicated past. Wyll made a warlock pact with a devil to gain power to protect his city, becoming a folk hero at the cost of his relationship with his father and his freedom. His story explored themes of sacrifice, identity, and the price of heroism with rare nuance for fantasy RPGs. Wyll’s character as a Black warlock hero challenged fantasy conventions, proving that Black characters can be compelling heroes in any setting or genre.

Hazel Flood from South of Midnight (2025)

Hazel is an outwardly confident and wisecracking 19-year-old who discovers she is a Weaver, a magical practitioner who can manipulate the threads of fate. After a devastating hurricane sweeps her hometown of Prospero and takes her mother. Set in a Southern Gothic Deep South steeped in folklore, Hazel embarks on a deeply personal journey searching for her mother while confronting mythical creatures. Her story explores trauma, family legacy, and self-discovery in a way that feels unapologetically Black.

Iconic Black NPCs

Marvin Branagh from Resident Evil Series (1998)

Officer Marvin Branagh’s tragic fate in the Raccoon City Police Department became one of RE2’s most memorable moments. Despite being infected, he helped Leon and Claire, showing courage and selflessness that left a lasting impact on players. In the Resident Evil 3 Remake (2020), Jill Valentine encounters him before the events of RE2, finding him unconscious but still alive after he heroically stayed behind to fight off zombies while other survivors escaped. This enhanced his character as an exemplary officer who looked out for his colleagues until the very end.

Tom Johnson from Shenmue Series (1999)

Tom worked at the harbor in Yokosuka and became one of Ryo Hazuki’s allies. His friendly demeanor and willingness to help made him a standout character in Shenmue’s detailed world, representing international friendships in 1980s Japan.

Sergeant Major Avery Junior Johnson from Halo Series (2001)

The cigar-chomping Marine became the heart and soul of the UNSC forces from Halo: Combat Evolved through Halo 3. His memorable one-liners (“I would have been your daddy, but that dog beat me over the fence”), unshakeable courage, and mentorship of Master Chief made him a fan favorite. His heroic sacrifice in Halo 3 remains one of the series’ most emotional moments.

D-Mob from Def Jam Series (2003)

The ruthless underground fight promoter and antagonist of Def Jam Vendetta brought intensity and menace to the hip-hop fighting game franchise. In Fight For NY, you see a more respectable side of him as a protagonist looking for redemption. His presence helped establish the gritty, authentic street fighting atmosphere that defined the series.

Sweet, Big Smoke, and Ryder from GTA: San Andreas (2004)

CJ’s childhood friends and Grove Street Families members each played crucial roles in San Andreas’ story. Sweet represented loyalty and gang tradition, Big Smoke became one of gaming’s most infamous traitors, and Ryder represented being a bonafide hater. Together they defined the game’s exploration of friendship, betrayal, and gang life.

Eli Vance from Half-Life 2 (2004)

Dr. Eli Vance served as one of the resistance’s key leaders and Alyx’s father. As a brilliant scientist and father figure to Gordon Freeman, Eli provided emotional grounding and scientific expertise throughout Half-Life 2 and its episodes, becoming integral to the story’s heart.

Matt from Wii Sports Series (2006)

As the final, ultimate opponent in two of Wii Sports’ modes—particularly boxing and swordplay—Matt achieved meme status for being nearly unbeatable. His appearance in a match struck fear into players worldwide, making him one of the most recognizable faces in one of gaming’s best-selling titles.

Brad Garrison from Dead Rising (2006)

Brad served as Jessie McCarney’s partner and helicopter pilot in the Willamette incident. His role helping Frank West escape the zombie-infested mall and his eventual fate made him a memorable supporting character in the original Dead Rising.

David Anderson from Mass Effect Series (2007)

Admiral David Anderson served as Commander Shepard’s mentor and one of the Alliance’s most respected leaders. His wisdom, military expertise, and unwavering support made him a father figure to Shepard and a pillar of humanity’s defense against galactic threats.

Prophet from Crysis Series (2007)

Lawrence Barnes, known as Prophet, was the field commander of Raptor Team. His leadership, combat expertise, and evolution across the Crysis series—particularly his transformation in Crysis 2 and 3—made him central to the franchise’s narrative about humanity and sacrifice.

Rodin from Bayonetta Series (2009)

The owner of The Gates of Hell bar and weapons dealer to Bayonetta, Rodin is a fallen angel with immense power. Known for his smooth voice, cool demeanor, and his ability to craft powerful weapons from defeated demons, Rodin became one of the series’ most memorable supporting characters.

Jacob Taylor from Mass Effect 2 (2010)

As one of Commander Shepard’s most reliable squad members in Mass Effect 2, Jacob brought military discipline and moral conviction to the Normandy crew. His loyalty mission exploring his complicated relationship with his father added real depth to his character.

Daisy Fitzroy from BioShock Infinite (2013)

The leader of the Vox Populi revolution in Columbia, Daisy fought against the city’s oppressive regime. Her character explored the complexities of revolution, oppression, and the costs of fighting for freedom, making her one of BioShock’s most morally complex figures.

Marlene from The Last of Us series (2013)

The leader of the Fireflies resistance group, Marlene was a complex figure who set the events of The Last of Us in motion. As Ellie’s mother’s best friend, she became Ellie’s protector before entrusting her to Joel. Marlene’s difficult decision to sacrifice Ellie for a potential cure forced players to confront impossible moral choices, leading to one of gaming’s most controversial moments.

Henry and Sam from The Last of Us (2013)

Brothers Henry and Sam provided some of The Last of Us’ most heartbreaking moments. Their bond and tragic fate exploring themes of brotherhood, survival, and the human cost of the post-apocalyptic world left players devastated and showcased the game’s emotional depth.

Preston Garvey from Fallout 4 (2015)

The last surviving member of the Commonwealth Minutemen, Preston recruited the Sole Survivor to help rebuild the militia. While his endless settlement quests became a meme, his dedication to helping people and rebuilding civilization made him an earnest, well-meaning companion.

Nadine Ross from Uncharted: The Lost Legacy (2017)

The South African mercenary and former leader of Shoreline transformed from Uncharted 4 antagonist to Chloe Frazer’s partner in The Lost Legacy. Nadine’s journey from villain to ally showcased her depth and complexity. The partnership between Nadine and Chloe created one of gaming’s strongest female dynamics.

Marina from Splatoon 2 (2017)

Half of the hip-hop duo Off the Hook, Marina brought representation to Nintendo’s colorful shooter. As an Octoling DJ and Pearl’s partner, she became a fan favorite for her design, personality, and role in Splatoon 2’s world-building and Octo Expansion story.

Lenny Summers from Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

A young, educated member of the Van der Linde gang, Lenny brought intelligence and idealism to the group. His friendship with Arthur Morgan and his fate highlighted the game’s themes about the cost of the outlaw life and lost potential.

Cere Junda from Star Wars Jedi Series (2019)

A former Jedi Master who survived Order 66, Cere Junda served as mentor and guide to Cal Kestis in his journey to rebuild the Jedi Order. Haunted by her past and the torture she endured at the Empire’s hands, Cere struggled with her connection to the Force while fighting to preserve Jedi knowledge. Her character explored themes of trauma, redemption, and sacrifice.

Notable OGs (1999 and Before)

Piston Hurricane from Punch-Out!! (arcade, 1984) – Brought speed and technical boxing skill to Nintendo’s original arcade boxing franchise.

Doc Louis from Punch-Out!! Series (1987)

Little Mac’s trainer and mentor. With his chocolate bar obsession, encouraging advice, and unwavering belief in Little Mac, Doc brought warmth and fighting spirit to the Punch-Out!! series.

Mr. Sandman from Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! (1987) – The Dream Destroyer brought devastating uppercuts and intimidating presence as one of the World Circuit’s toughest opponents.

Adam Hunter from Streets of Rage (1991) – One of the original beat ’em up heroes, the former cop used boxing skills to fight corruption in the streets.

Dee Jay from Super Street Fighter II (1993) – The kickboxing musician brought Caribbean representation to Street Fighter with his rhythm and infectious energy.

Jade from Mortal Kombat II (1993)

The Edenian assassin wielded her signature staff with grace and deadly precision, serving as Kitana’s loyal bodyguard and friend.

TJ Combo from Killer Instinct (1994) – The former heavyweight champion brought cybernetic-enhanced boxing to the tournament, fighting for redemption.

Zack from Dead or Alive (1996) – The flashy Muay Thai fighter with his over-the-top personality and overwhelming wealth brought humor and style to the series.

Dudley from Street Fighter III: New Generation (1997) – The gentlemanly British boxer proved you could be devastatingly powerful and supremely classy.

Elena from Street Fighter III: New Generation (1997)

The Kenyan capoeira fighter brought African representation to Street Fighter, combining dance-like martial arts with her princess heritage and enthusiasm.

B.D. Joe from Crazy Taxi (1999) – One of the original playable cabbies in Sega’s arcade classic, bringing lots of personality to the franchise’s high-speed taxi hijinks.

Afro Thunder from Ready 2 Rumble Boxing (1999) – With his signature afro and lightning-fast boxing, he became a cult icon of the arcade boxing classic.

Notable Uncs (2000-2015)

Irving Lambert from Splinter Cell Series (2002) – Sam Fisher’s handler and mentor at Third Echelon, Lambert provided mission intelligence and moral guidance.

Raven from Tekken 5 (2004)

The mysterious ninja operative combined high-tech gadgetry with traditional martial arts and cool tactical expertise.

Garcian Smith from Killer7 (2005) – The enigmatic assassin and member of the Killer7 group in Suda51’s cult classic brought mystery and style to the surreal narrative.

Zasalamel from Soulcalibur III (2005) – The immortal scythe wielder cursed with eternal reincarnation brought dark mysticism and powerful zoning gameplay to Soulcalibur.

Shinobu Jacobs from No More Heroes (2007)

The half-African American, half-Japanese assassin became a fan favorite in Travis Touchdown’s story with her katana skills and tragic backstory.

Roland from Borderlands (2009) – The Soldier class character and former Crimson Lance member became central to Borderlands’ story across multiple games as a leader of the Vault Hunters.

Sazh Katzroy from Final Fantasy XIII (2009) – The father desperately trying to save his son brought emotional maturity to FFXIII’s younger cast.

Rochelle from Left 4 Dead 2 (2009)

The news producer turned zombie apocalypse survivor brought resourcefulness and snappy dialogue as one of the four playable survivors.

Sam B from Dead Island (2011) – The one-hit-wonder rapper turned zombie survivor brought personality and his signature “Who Do You Voodoo” theme to the tropical horror.

James Heller from Prototype 2 (2012) – The former US Marine Sergeant infected with the Blacklight virus sought revenge against Alex Mercer for his family’s death, gaining shapeshifting powers to become New York’s new protector.

Aveline de Grandpré from Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation (2012) – Gaming’s first Black female assassin made history operating in 18th-century New Orleans.

Riley from The Last of Us: Left Behind (2014)

Ellie’s best friend and first love whose tragic infection became the catalyst for Ellie’s immunity discovery and emotional journey.

Notable YNs (2015-Present)

Billie Lurk from Dishonored: Death of the Outsider (2017)

The former assassin and ship captain set out on a mission to kill the Outsider himself, becoming gaming’s first playable Black bisexual woman in the lead role.

Lifeline from Apex Legends (2019) – The combat medic with Jamaican-inspired personality became one of Apex’s most popular characters with her healing abilities.

Leroy Smith from Tekken Series (2019)

The 50-year-old Wing Chun master brought style, wisdom, and his pet sugar glider to the roster.

Nessa from Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) – The Water-type Gym Leader and model whose stylish character made her instantly beloved by fans who showered the internet with tons of fan art and cosplays.

Julianna Blake from Deathloop (2021)

The rival assassin hunting Colt through Blackreef’s time loop, Julianna can be controlled by other players in unique PvP invasions.

Angrboda from God of War Ragnarök (2022) – The compassionate Jötunn who befriended Atreus in Jötunheim, teaching him about giant culture and helping him discover his identity beyond being “Loki.”

Kimberly from Street Fighter 6 (2023)

The ninja spray paint artist blends Bushinryu techniques with modern street culture and infectious energy.

Ambessa and Mel from League of Legends (2024) – Mother-daughter Noxian leaders who brought complex political intrigue to the game’s lore and Arcane series.

Yasuke from Assassin’s Creed Shadows (2025) – The historical African samurai serves as one of two playable protagonists in feudal Japan, bringing powerful combat-focused gameplay alongside shinobi Naoe in Ubisoft’s latest Assassin’s Creed game.

Prism from Dispatch (2025)

The pop star influencer with photokinesis powers fights as a reformed villain turned superhero with exceptional combat and “blinding” charisma.

Looking Forward

The gaming industry has made significant strides in Black representation, but there’s still work to be done. From OGs like Dee Jay and Jax to newbloods like Kimberly and Prism, these characters paved the way for even more diverse storytelling. They proved that Black characters can be heroes, villains, sidekicks, mentors, and everything in between.

Gaming is better when it reflects the beautiful diversity of the people who play these games. These iconic characters remind us that representation matters, that everyone deserves to see themselves as the protagonist, and that the best stories come from embracing different perspectives and experiences.