Games Where the Default Character Is a Dark-Skinned Black Woman

For decades, the default hero of the video game world wore a predictable face, but a powerful and necessary shift is finally redefining who gets to save the universe. The emergence of games featuring dark-skinned Black women—not as sidekicks, background NPCs, or optional skins, but as the canonical, unchangeable protagonists—marks a pivotal moment in interactive storytelling. By moving beyond the “create-a-character” compromise, developers are crafting specific, nuanced narratives that center on the strength and complexity of Black women, challenging the industry’s history of colorism and marginalization. This growing collection of titles does more than just fill a diversity quota; it enriches the medium with fresh perspectives, distinct character designs, and the undeniable assertion that a dark-skinned Black woman is every bit the universal hero as her predecessors.

‘Alan Wake 2’ (2023)

Remedy Entertainment developed this survival horror title, published by Epic Games Publishing, which features two playable protagonists. Players control Saga Anderson, an accomplished FBI agent who arrives in Bright Falls to investigate a series of ritualistic murders. Modeled after and voiced by actress Melanie Liburd, Saga brings a grounded, detective perspective that contrasts with the reality-warping chaos surrounding the title character. Her storyline is essential to the narrative, requiring players to piece together clues in her “Mind Place” to solve the mystery.

‘Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden’ (2024)

Developed by Don’t Nod and published by Focus Entertainment, this action RPG focuses on a pair of ghost hunters in 1695 New England. Antea Duarte is a skilled banisher and a dark-skinned Black woman who becomes a spirit early in the game, fighting alongside her living partner, Red. Players switch between Red’s physical attacks and Antea’s spectral powers to defeat supernatural forces and solve haunting cases. The narrative leans heavily on the bond between the two, making Antea’s history and perspective central to the emotional weight of the story.

‘Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn’ (2024)

A44 Games created this “souls-lite” action RPG, which is published by Kepler Interactive. The game stars Nor Vanek, a dark-skinned member of the coalition army who teams up with a fox-like magical companion named Enki. Nor utilizes a mix of melee weapons, firearms, and magic to challenge the gods who have invaded her world. The character design emphasizes her role as a hardened soldier, and the gameplay focuses on rhythmic combat and mobility.

‘Forspoken’ (2023)

Luminous Productions and Square Enix introduced players to Frey Holland, a young woman transported from modern-day New York City to the magical land of Athia. Modeled after actress Ella Balinska, Frey gains magical abilities that allow her to traverse vast landscapes with parkour-like speed and cast elemental spells. As the sole protagonist, her journey involves mastering these powers to defeat the tyrannical Tantas and find a way home. The narrative explores themes of belonging and self-worth through Frey’s experiences in this strange new world.

‘Dishonored: Death of the Outsider’ (2017)

Arkane Studios developed this standalone expansion to the acclaimed stealth series, published by Bethesda Softworks. Players assume the role of Billie Lurk, a dark-skinned assassin seeking to take down the god-like figure known as the Outsider. Billie utilizes a unique set of supernatural abilities and gadgets, distinct from previous protagonists in the franchise. The game concludes the “Kaldwin era” storyline, placing Billie at the center of the series’ most significant metaphysical conflict.

‘Subnautica: Below Zero’ (2021)

Unknown Worlds Entertainment developed this open-world survival adventure set on an alien planet. The protagonist is Robin Ayou, a Black xenobiologist who lands on Planet 4546B to investigate the mysterious death of her sister. Unlike the silent protagonist of the first game, Robin is fully voiced and interacts frequently with the environment and other characters. Players must manage her health and temperature while exploring freezing underwater biomes and constructing habitats.

‘Season: A Letter to the Future’ (2023)

Scavengers Studio developed and published this atmospheric adventure game about capturing memories before a cataclysmic event resets the world. Players control Estelle, a woman from a secluded village who travels by bicycle to document the sights, sounds, and stories of the current era. Estelle’s journey is meditative, focusing on photography, audio recording, and conversations with the people she meets. Her character design features dark skin and natural hair, grounding the game’s ethereal themes in a specific, human perspective.

‘The Walking Dead: Michonne’ (2016)

Telltale Games produced this episodic narrative adventure based on the comic book character created by Robert Kirkman. Michonne, a dark-skinned survivor known for her skill with a katana, takes the lead role in a story bridging a gap in the comic’s timeline. The game explores her psychological trauma and the haunting memories of her lost daughters while she navigates conflict with other survivor groups. Players make critical dialogue and action choices that define Michonne’s relationships and survival strategy.

‘Deathloop’ (2021)

Arkane Lyon developed this first-person shooter, with Bethesda Softworks handling publishing duties. While Colt is the primary protagonist, Julianna Blake is the other playable main character, serving as the head of security for the AEON Program. In the “Protect the Loop” mode, players can control Julianna to invade another player’s game and hunt down Colt. Julianna is a stylish, dark-skinned woman with a sharp wit, playing a crucial role in the narrative’s central mystery and rivalry.

‘Slime Rancher 2’ (2022)

Monomi Park developed and published this colorful first-person life simulation game. Players resume the role of Beatrix LeBeau, a rancher who travels to a new locale called Rainbow Island to collect and care for adorable slimes. Beatrix is depicted in official art and cutouts as a woman of color with brown skin and textured hair. The gameplay loop involves exploring the island, building conservatory upgrades, and discovering the secrets of the ancient technology scattered across the land.

‘Dandara: Trials of Fear Edition’ (2018)

Long Hat House developed this unique 2D platformer, which was published by Raw Fury. The protagonist, Dandara, is inspired by the real-life Afro-Brazilian historical figure Dandara dos Palmares, a warrior who fought against slavery. In the game, she defies gravity to leap between surfaces in a surreal world known as the Salt. Her character design celebrates her heritage, and the game weaves themes of oppression and freedom into its Metroidvania-style exploration.

‘Virginia’ (2016)

Variable State developed this first-person mystery thriller, published by 505 Games. The story follows Anne Tarver, a graduate FBI agent who is assigned to investigate a missing persons case in a small town while also investigating her partner. Anne is a Black woman navigating a professional environment that is often hostile or dismissive. The game uses a distinctive art style and lacks dialogue, relying on visual storytelling, editing, and music to convey Anne’s emotional journey and the unraveling mystery.

‘Mutazione’ (2019)

Die Gute Fabrik developed this narrative-driven “mutant soap opera,” published by Akupara Games. Players control Kai, a 15-year-old girl who travels to an isolated community of mutants to care for her ailing grandfather. Kai is depicted with dark skin, and her character serves as the bridge between the human world and the strange, supernatural island. The gameplay focuses on gardening, dialogue, and building relationships with the town’s eccentric inhabitants.

‘Murder by Numbers’ (2020)

Mediatonic developed this visual novel hybrid, combining detective work with nonogram puzzles, published by The Irregular Corporation. The protagonist is Honor Mizrahi, a Hollywood actress turned detective who must clear her name after her boss is murdered. Honor is a woman of color with a distinct 90s fashion style, accompanied by a floating robot named SCOUT. The game emphasizes her wit and resilience as she solves crimes across Los Angeles.

‘Knights and Bikes’ (2019)

Foam Sword developed this hand-painted action-adventure game, published by Double Fine Presents. The game features two protagonists, Demelza and Nessa, the latter being a dark-skinned orphan who arrives on the island of Penfurzy. Players can control Nessa in solo or co-op play as the duo explores the island on their bicycles, searching for legendary treasure. Nessa’s character is tough yet vulnerable, and her friendship with Demelza forms the emotional core of this coming-of-age story.

Tell us about your favorite character from this list in the comments.