Diversity in video games is still an issue, according to a recent 2023 study.
According to the video game data analysis company, only 38.8% of characters in modern video games are BIPOC, while approximately 60% are white.
With new releases planned later this year, here are five recently released video games featuring Black leads to check out.
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales: Available on PS4 and PS5, Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Miles Morales” video game follows the story of teenager Miles Morales. Given the Spider-Man mantle, he is forced to discover his own set of powers separate from his mentor, Peter Parker, as he adjusts to his new powers. Released in 2020 after the release of the hit film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Morales has to navigate figuring out his new duties as a superhero while also dealing with the corrupt Roxxon Energy Corporation and supervillains like Rhino. Featuring a 4K resolution on the PS5, the game is presented in a third-person narrative.
- Dandara: Trials of Fear: This 2D video game developed by Brazilian developers Long Hat House and published by Raw Fury in 2018 is inspired by the historical figure of Dandara. In the 17th century, Dandara was a Black woman warrior that specialized in the martial arts of Capoeira. Fighting alongside other men and women, she helped protect the people of Palmares from enslavement. Available for purchase on Google Play for $3.99, the protagonist of the indie video game inspired by the warrior, also known as Dandara, fights against the villains of the world of Salt against oppression in the name of freedom.
- South of Midnight: Set for release later this year, “South of Midnight” is a game developed by Compulsion Games and published by Xbox on the Xbox Series X|S. It follows the titular character, Hazel, as she fights against supernatural creatures that have crossed into this world. As a Weaver, she is able to mend all broken bonds and spirits with her powers. All the while, she has her own mystery that she needs to unravel about her own family. Available as a third-person action gameplay, “South of Midnight” focuses greatly on Southern folklore for the story.
- Deathloop: Released in 2021, Deathloop is a first-person video game that follows the story of lead character Colt Vahn. Set in a different world that’s reminiscent of the 1960s, the game moves over the course of one day that repeats as Colt gets stuck in a time loop. To get out of the time loop, Colt is forced to go after eight targets known as the Visionaires while avoiding the new Head of Security, Julianna Blake, who’s on the hunt for him.
- Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan: Inspired by African mythology, this 2D single-player action role-playing game follows the journey of Prince Enzo Kori-Odan and his wife Erine Evou. Right before becoming king and marrying Erine, Enzo’s brother-in-law overthrows and exiles him, stripping him of his titles. As they move towards regaining their rightful birthrights, Enzo and Erine work alongside people of different countries and cultures, forming alliances to save Zama.
