As the gaming world continues to expand and diversify, so do the video game characters. We have gone from Black characters in Madden being a novelty to Black protagonists being the star of the game. While things are far from perfect, it's essential to celebrate the outstanding portrayals of Black characters over the years. Without further ado, here are our Top 6 Black Video Game Characters of All Time.
Jax Briggs - Mortal Kombat
Making his first appearance in Mortal Kombat II, Jax Briggs is easily one of the most iconic Black video game characters in the video game industry. Upon release, his signature cybernetic arms made him instantly recognizable and were the perfect pairing for his military-style demeanor, martial arts prowess, and gaul. In a twist fit for a Capcom game, Jax was originally designed as Kurtis Stryker, a soldier hell-bent on pursuing Kano. However, he was replaced with Sonya Blade after Midway staff realized their game had a sausage fest for a roster.
It wasn't until development of Mortal Kombat 2 that the Kurtis Stryker concept was revisited and then launched as the Jax we know and love today. Since 1993, Jax has been a fan favorite character which led to his portrayal in multiple movies, TV Shows, comics, and even a sidebar game where he was the main protagonist (Special Forces). Whether you're a fan of the classic Mortal Kombat games or you've just discovered Jax through the latest entries in the series, you can be sure that he is one of the strongest and most iconic Black video game characters in gaming.
It wasn't until development of Mortal Kombat 2 that the Kurtis Stryker concept was revisited and then launched as the Jax we know and love today. Since 1993, Jax has been a fan favorite character which led to his portrayal in multiple movies, TV Shows, comics, and even a sidebar game where he was the main protagonist (Special Forces). Whether you're a fan of the classic Mortal Kombat games or you've just discovered Jax through the latest entries in the series, you can be sure that he is one of the strongest and most iconic Black video game characters in gaming.
Lee Everett - The Walking Dead
When you think of The Walking Dead what comes to mind? Most likely it's the TV show, a zombie apocalypse, and its expansive set of personalities e.g. Michonne, Rick, Daryl, Negan, etc. But for those of us who are fans of the Telltale Series of games we have our own favorite character and that's Season 1's main protagonist Lee Everett.
Who is Lee? Lee Everett is a former history professor whose story reads like an episode of The First 48. To make a long story short... love, betrayal, and rage resulted in Lee Everett murdering a state senator and receiving a one way trip to prison, for life.
Somewhere between the sentencing and ride to prison a zombie apocalypse occurs and Lee is faced with finding a way to survive in all out anarchy and chaos. What makes Lee so special is how complex of a character he is within the game. He is brave but realistic, moral but protective, and these complexities result in a man trying to maintain his humanity in a world full of mortal danger.
At many points it felt as if I was no longer playing a game and in fact watching a story of a good man trying to hold on to himself. He stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity and one of my favorite character portrayals in a game and of a Black protagonist in general.
Who is Lee? Lee Everett is a former history professor whose story reads like an episode of The First 48. To make a long story short... love, betrayal, and rage resulted in Lee Everett murdering a state senator and receiving a one way trip to prison, for life.
Somewhere between the sentencing and ride to prison a zombie apocalypse occurs and Lee is faced with finding a way to survive in all out anarchy and chaos. What makes Lee so special is how complex of a character he is within the game. He is brave but realistic, moral but protective, and these complexities result in a man trying to maintain his humanity in a world full of mortal danger.
At many points it felt as if I was no longer playing a game and in fact watching a story of a good man trying to hold on to himself. He stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity and one of my favorite character portrayals in a game and of a Black protagonist in general.
Barret Wallace - Final Fantasy VII
Barret Wallace is the leader of the eco-terrorist group Avalanche and is hell bent on destroying the dystopian mega-corporation that is Shinra Electric Power Company.
Barret makes the list because he is principled but his brash and uncompromising delivery that can often be off-putting and disastrous. He is a great demonstration of how our greatest strengths can also be some of our greatest weaknesses.
With that said, his character arc throughout the game is one of the most memorable, as he grows from an abrasive leader to a compassionate father figure to a young girl.
I know, I know some take issue with his rather stereotypical "brutish" behavior but if we're being honest there are no Black video game characters that are immune from that critique. Until we make our own games we will always have questionable Black characters to contend with.
Barret makes the list because he is principled but his brash and uncompromising delivery that can often be off-putting and disastrous. He is a great demonstration of how our greatest strengths can also be some of our greatest weaknesses.
With that said, his character arc throughout the game is one of the most memorable, as he grows from an abrasive leader to a compassionate father figure to a young girl.
I know, I know some take issue with his rather stereotypical "brutish" behavior but if we're being honest there are no Black video game characters that are immune from that critique. Until we make our own games we will always have questionable Black characters to contend with.
Adam Hunter - Streets of Rage Series
Let's take a trip back to the Sega Genesis era to give Streets of Rage's legendary character Adam Hunter his flowers. Adam made his debut in the original Streets of Rage game and in it the time he exuded cool, calm, and competent. Although he was captured in the sequel, he remained a mainstay supporting character by assisting his younger brother Skate.
Thirty years later, he returned to the series in Streets of Rage 4 as one of the main protagonists and father to newly added Cherry Hunter. Although Adam Hunter may not be a playable character in 50% of the Streets of Rage franchise, his influence can still be felt throughout the series.
Thirty years later, he returned to the series in Streets of Rage 4 as one of the main protagonists and father to newly added Cherry Hunter. Although Adam Hunter may not be a playable character in 50% of the Streets of Rage franchise, his influence can still be felt throughout the series.
Balrog - Street Fighter
No one could have predicted how iconic Balrog would become within the Street Fighter series but here we are. Now...Balrog as a character is not too deep in regards to backstory, motivations, or goals but that doesn't make him any less of a great character as far as move set and design. Back in 2009, the Bleacher Report listed him as one of the top 10 greatest fictional boxers of all time and we agree.
What many do not know is that M. Bison was his original name since he was a play on the one and only Mike Tyson. But once Capcom higher-ups realized they were opening themselves up for a suit they swapped the names of the three boss characters.
In 2019, Mike Tyson (of Boxing and Punch Out fame) was asked his thoughts on Balrog as a character and he stated “honored with that impersonation of me.” While he may look at it favorably today, there is no guarantee he would have had the same viewpoint in the past. Capcom did the right thing by switching the names especially considering how at times Balrog's portrayal can be stereotypical and borderline racist.
What many do not know is that M. Bison was his original name since he was a play on the one and only Mike Tyson. But once Capcom higher-ups realized they were opening themselves up for a suit they swapped the names of the three boss characters.
In 2019, Mike Tyson (of Boxing and Punch Out fame) was asked his thoughts on Balrog as a character and he stated “honored with that impersonation of me.” While he may look at it favorably today, there is no guarantee he would have had the same viewpoint in the past. Capcom did the right thing by switching the names especially considering how at times Balrog's portrayal can be stereotypical and borderline racist.
Carl Johnson - Grand Theft Auto San Andreas
Carl Johnson's life as a member of the Grove Street Families has secured his place as arguably the most beloved African-American character in gaming history. He is easily one of the finest portrayals of a Grand Theft Auto protagonist from not only the PlayStation 2 days but throughout the entire GTA video game series.
What makes Carl Johnson such an amazing character is how he was nuanced. Rockstar Games didn't fire up the "Build-A-Thug" machine and present us with a two-dimensional wannabe NWA member in the city of Los Santos.
In many ways, Carl Johnson is merely a victim of circumstance and is trying to make his way through the maze of gang violence and street politics. What many people do not understand is that many people DID NOT choose gang life, it chose them. They were born into it and molded by it and GTA San Andreas did a stellar job of displaying this reality.
Young Maylay truly brought the iconic Carl Johnson to life, with his unmistakable swagger and razor-sharp wit - there simply isn't anyone else who could have done a better job. Although the remasters of the GTA PS2 games have not been well-received, the captivating story of CJ and the masterful voice acting make GTA San Andreas one of the most beloved games of all time.
What makes Carl Johnson such an amazing character is how he was nuanced. Rockstar Games didn't fire up the "Build-A-Thug" machine and present us with a two-dimensional wannabe NWA member in the city of Los Santos.
In many ways, Carl Johnson is merely a victim of circumstance and is trying to make his way through the maze of gang violence and street politics. What many people do not understand is that many people DID NOT choose gang life, it chose them. They were born into it and molded by it and GTA San Andreas did a stellar job of displaying this reality.
Young Maylay truly brought the iconic Carl Johnson to life, with his unmistakable swagger and razor-sharp wit - there simply isn't anyone else who could have done a better job. Although the remasters of the GTA PS2 games have not been well-received, the captivating story of CJ and the masterful voice acting make GTA San Andreas one of the most beloved games of all time.
What Makes Black Characters Great?
A great video game character should have a few key traits that make them stand out. They need to be well-developed, with a unique and compelling story that captures the imagination of the player.
When looking at the Top 6 Black Video Game Characters of All Time we wanted to go beyond fan favorite characters and find characters that were relatable. Characters that allowed you to see yourself as a Black protagonist or as one of the main characters within a video game.
While these characters may have stood the test of time it's time to go a step further. We must make our own video games so that we can craft main protagonists and supportive video game characters that are authentic to who we are and what we represent. Our very own resident Black Indie DEV develops video games and has a YouTube channel where he goes into further detail on endeavors. In addition, check out our list of videos games that feature an all-Black cast. But after it is all said and done Black representation in video games MUST begin and end with us.
When looking at the Top 6 Black Video Game Characters of All Time we wanted to go beyond fan favorite characters and find characters that were relatable. Characters that allowed you to see yourself as a Black protagonist or as one of the main characters within a video game.
While these characters may have stood the test of time it's time to go a step further. We must make our own video games so that we can craft main protagonists and supportive video game characters that are authentic to who we are and what we represent. Our very own resident Black Indie DEV develops video games and has a YouTube channel where he goes into further detail on endeavors. In addition, check out our list of videos games that feature an all-Black cast. But after it is all said and done Black representation in video games MUST begin and end with us.
Download the app and join the community.
