Video Games That Featured Older Protagonists in Leading Roles

The gaming industry has increasingly embraced narratives that follow characters in the later stages of their lives, providing a mature perspective on action and adventure. These protagonists often bring a sense of weariness, experience, and emotional depth that contrasts with the traditional youthful hero archetype. By focusing on older characters, developers can explore themes of legacy, parenthood, and the physical toll of a life spent in conflict. This shift reflects the aging demographic of players and a desire for more sophisticated storytelling within the medium.

‘Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots’ (2008)

Solid Snake, now known as Old Snake, faces his final mission while suffering from accelerated aging. Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Konami, the game follows the legendary soldier through a world dominated by private military companies. Snake must navigate a battlefield of nanomachines and war economies to stop Liquid Ocelot. This title serves as the technical and narrative conclusion to the protagonist’s long-running story arc.

‘God of War’ (2018)

Kratos returns as a father living in the realm of Norse mythology, appearing significantly older than in his previous appearances. Santa Monica Studio and Sony Interactive Entertainment reimagined the character as he travels to the highest peak in the realms to scatter his wife’s ashes. The narrative focuses on his relationship with his son, Atreus, and his attempts to leave his violent past behind. This title transitioned the series toward a grounded, character-driven exploration of fatherhood and redemption.

‘The Last of Us Part I’ (2022)

Joel Miller is a survivor in a post-apocalyptic United States who is tasked with escorting a teenager across the country. Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the story highlights the character’s weariness after decades of living in a fungal pandemic. Joel must navigate dangerous environments while protecting Ellie from both infected creatures and hostile human factions. The game explores the complex morality and emotional struggles of an aging protagonist who has lost his sense of purpose.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Geralt of Rivia is a veteran monster hunter searching for his adopted daughter in a vast, war-torn world. CD Projekt Red developed this open-world RPG, which depicts Geralt as a seasoned professional approaching the later stages of his career. Despite his supernatural longevity, the narrative emphasizes his physical fatigue and the changing political landscape that threatens his way of life. The game combines intricate storytelling with a protagonist who relies on decades of combat experience and alchemical knowledge.

‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ (2024)

Kazuma Kiryu returns as a dual protagonist alongside Ichiban Kasuga in this sprawling RPG set in Hawaii and Japan. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, the story finds Kiryu dealing with his own mortality and past legacy. The gameplay blends turn-based combat with deep character moments that explore the challenges of aging and finding purpose late in life. It serves as a poignant look at one of gaming’s most iconic figures during the twilight of his journey.

‘Max Payne 3’ (2012)

A retired and weathered Max Payne works as private security in Brazil while battling addiction and haunting memories. Rockstar Games developed this cinematic shooter, which showcases the titular character’s physical and mental decline over the years. Max must navigate a conspiracy involving corrupt police and street gangs in the city of São Paulo. The narrative uses the protagonist’s age to ground the stylized gunplay in a gritty, noir-inspired reality.

‘Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Conviction’ (2010)

Sam Fisher is no longer a government operative and instead operates as a rogue agent seeking the truth about his daughter’s death. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, this entry in the stealth series features a more aggressive and desperate version of the veteran spy. Fisher utilizes his years of Special Forces training to dismantle a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of power. The game emphasizes Sam’s experience and grit as he takes on younger, well-equipped adversaries.

‘Assassin’s Creed: Revelations’ (2011)

An older Ezio Auditore travels to Constantinople to uncover the secrets of the Assassin Order’s history. Ubisoft Montreal developed this concluding chapter of Ezio’s trilogy, portraying him as a wise mentor in his early fifties. The gameplay introduces new mechanics like the hookblade while focusing on Ezio’s search for knowledge rather than just revenge. It provides a conclusion to his journey, showing the physical toll of a life spent in the shadows.

‘Dead Rising 4’ (2016)

Frank West returns to the town of Willamette sixteen years after the events of the original game as a professor and veteran photojournalist. Developed by Capcom Vancouver and published by Capcom, the game follows a middle-aged Frank during a new zombie outbreak. He must investigate the source of the infection while dealing with his own cynical outlook on fame and survival. The title maintains the series’ dark humor while acknowledging the protagonist’s transition into a legacy character.

‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

Harry Du Bois is a middle-aged detective who wakes up with total amnesia after a massive bender in the city of Revachol. Developed and published by ZA/UM, this isometric RPG focuses on Harry’s internal struggles and his attempt to solve a complex murder case. The game explores themes of failure, regret, and the physical degradation of a man who has lived a hard life. Players must navigate Harry’s psyche, which is divided into various conflicting voices and personality traits.

‘Returnal’ (2021)

Selene Vassos is an ASTRA scout who finds herself trapped in a time loop on the mysterious planet Atropos. Developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game features a middle-aged protagonist dealing with psychological trauma and her own history. As she fights through alien environments, players uncover fragments of her past that suggest a long and difficult life before the mission. The narrative’s complexity is reflected in Selene’s stoic and determined personality as she faces constant death.

‘Alan Wake II’ (2023)

The titular writer returns after being trapped in the Dark Place for thirteen years, appearing visibly older and more weathered. Developed by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games Publishing, the game follows Alan and FBI agent Saga Anderson as they face a supernatural horror. Alan must use his writing to rewrite reality and escape his prison, showcasing his growth as a tortured artist. The dual-protagonist structure allows for a deep dive into Alan’s long-term psychological battle with the darkness.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

Corvo Attano returns as a playable protagonist, now serving as the Royal Protector and father to Empress Emily Kaldwin. Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game allows players to choose between the seasoned veteran and his daughter. Corvo uses his supernatural abilities and decades of experience to reclaim the throne after a coup. His story arc focuses on his legacy and the violent world he helped shape as he ages into a protective figurehead.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2013)

Michael De Santa is a retired bank robber in his late forties who is pulled back into a life of crime by his personal frustrations. Developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games, the game explores Michael’s midlife crisis and his strained family dynamics. He serves as a mentor and partner to younger criminals while attempting to navigate the modern landscape of Los Angeles. Michael’s narrative arc provides a satirical look at the American Dream through the eyes of an aging criminal.

‘Halo Infinite’ (2021)

The Master Chief continues his fight against the Banished on the broken surface of Zeta Halo. Developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios, this entry emphasizes the Chief’s status as a veteran soldier who has outlived most of his peers. The story focuses on his relationship with a new AI and his reflections on his long history of warfare. Despite his enhanced physiology, the narrative portrays him as a stoic, aging warrior seeking to fix his past mistakes.

‘Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus’ (2017)

B.J. Blazkowicz wakes up from a coma to continue the resistance against a Nazi-occupied America in the 1960s. Developed by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game depicts B.J. as a physically broken man who must wear a specialized suit to stay mobile. The narrative explores his childhood trauma and his concerns about the world he will leave behind for his unborn children. This title humanizes the hero by highlighting his vulnerability and the weight of his years of combat.

‘Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’ (2016)

Nathan Drake is a retired treasure hunter who is coaxed back into the field by the sudden reappearance of his long-lost brother. Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the game depicts a protagonist who has traded adventure for a mundane domestic life. Nathan must balance his obsession with history and discovery against the responsibilities he has to his wife and his future. The story serves as a mature conclusion to the series, focusing on the cost of a life spent chasing legends.

‘Sifu’ (2022)

The protagonist begins their quest for revenge as a young student but physically ages every time they are revived by a magical talisman. Developed by Sloclap, the game forces players to manage their age as they master complex martial arts techniques to defeat five assassins. As the character grows older, they gain more power but lose health, reflecting the trade-offs of aging and experience. The narrative journey concludes with the protagonist potentially reaching their seventies, symbolizing a lifetime of dedication to their craft.

‘Firewatch’ (2016)

Henry is a man in his forties who takes a job as a fire lookout in the Wyoming wilderness to escape the emotional burden of his wife’s illness. Developed by Campo Santo and published by Panic, the game is a first-person narrative experience focused on exploration and dialogue. Henry interacts primarily through a handheld radio with his supervisor, Delilah, as they uncover mysteries in the forest. The story is noted for its mature handling of isolation, regret, and the complexities of adult life.

‘Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days’ (2010)

James Seth Lynch and Adam ‘Kane’ Marcus are two aging, unstable criminals who find themselves in a disastrous situation in Shanghai. Developed by IO Interactive and published by Square Enix, the game features a gritty, lo-fi aesthetic that mirrors the protagonists’ desperate lives. The duo must fight through the city’s underworld to escape a botched arms deal and survive the consequences of their past actions. This title emphasizes the raw, unpleasant nature of its veteran leads as they spiral further into chaos.

Tell us which of these seasoned heroes is your favorite in the comments.