Games Where the Black Protagonist Has a Happy, Living Family

Video game narratives often rely on tragic backstories to motivate their heroes, with orphaned protagonists being a common trope. However, there is a growing number of games featuring Black main characters who draw strength from a living and supportive family unit. These stories showcase the importance of parental figures, siblings, and children in grounding the hero and raising the stakes of their journey. Representation matters not just in the character’s appearance but in the portrayal of Black families thriving and surviving together.

‘Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales’ (2020)

Miles Morales balances his responsibilities as a teenage superhero with his life at home in Harlem. His mother Rio Morales serves as a pillar of strength and recently won a seat on the City Council. The bond between Miles and Rio is central to the narrative as they navigate life without Jefferson Davis. Their relationship highlights a loving and resilient family dynamic that empowers Miles to protect his community.

‘Alan Wake 2’ (2023)

FBI Agent Saga Anderson arrives in Bright Falls to investigate a series of ritualistic murders. Throughout the terrifying events, she frequently communicates with her husband David and their daughter Logan. These conversations ground her reality and provide a stark contrast to the supernatural horror warping the world around her. Her deep connection to her family serves as her primary motivation to solve the mystery and escape the nightmare.

‘God of War Ragnarök’ (2022)

Angrboda is a young Giantess who plays a crucial role in the prophecy of Loki. She lives in the Ironwood with her grandmother and shares a warm relationship with her despite the looming threats of the Aesir. Her interactions reveal a sheltered but caring upbringing that has prepared her for her destiny. This family connection adds depth to her character as she guides Atreus on his path.

‘Half-Life: Alyx’ (2020)

Alyx Vance fights against the alien Combine occupation of Earth while working closely with her father Eli Vance. The game highlights their close partnership and shared scientific brilliance as they work to save humanity. Eli acts as both a father and a mentor, constantly communicating with Alyx over the radio to ensure her safety. Their survival and enduring bond drive the emotional core of this prequel story.

‘Final Fantasy VII Remake’ (2020)

Barret Wallace fights to save the planet not just for ideology but to ensure a future for his young daughter Marlene. He frequently checks on her safety and displays a tender, protective side that contrasts with his brash exterior. Marlene remains his moral compass and the reason he continues his battle against the Shinra Electric Power Company. This father-daughter relationship humanizes the leader of Avalanche and endears him to players.

‘Final Fantasy XIII’ (2009)

Sazh Katzroy is a devoted father whose entire journey is motivated by the desire to save his son Dajh. After Dajh is branded a l’Cie and turned into crystal, Sazh joins the other protagonists to find a way to reverse his son’s fate. His love for his child provides some of the most emotional moments in the game and defines his character arc. The eventual reunion between Sazh and Dajh is a heartwarming conclusion to his struggle.

‘Convergence: A League of Legends Story’ (2023)

Ekko is a young inventor who manipulates time to protect the city of Zaun. Unlike many champions with tragic origins, Ekko has two living and hardworking parents who support his brilliance. They appear in the game to offer encouragement and remind him of the ordinary people he fights for. This stable family background gives Ekko a unique perspective on the value of time and community.

‘Mortal Kombat 11’ (2019)

Jacqui Briggs is the daughter of cybernetically enhanced soldier Jax Briggs and his wife Vera. She shares a close and supportive relationship with both parents, often fighting alongside her father in the Special Forces. The game showcases a functional family unit of warriors who respect and protect one another. Jacqui fights to uphold her family legacy while carving out her own path as a hero.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

Newcastle entered the Apex Games specifically to pay off debts and protect his wife and children. He is also the long-lost brother of fellow Legend Bangalore, and their reunion reveals a complex but enduring sibling bond. His motivation is entirely centered on ensuring the safety and happiness of his family back home. This backstory establishes him as a dedicated family man within the chaotic world of the bloodsport.

‘Broken Age’ (2014)

Vella Tartine is a young girl selected to be sacrificed to a monster called Mog Chothra to save her village. Her family includes her mother, father, grandfather, and younger sister, all of whom are alive and present in the story. Although they initially accept the sacrifice tradition, they clearly love Vella and eventually rally behind her rebellion. The narrative revolves around her breaking away from their expectations to save them all.

‘FIFA 17’ (2016)

Alex Hunter begins his professional football career with the support of his mother and grandfather. While his relationship with his father is strained at the start, his immediate family provides a loving home base. The story mode explores the pressures of fame and how his family helps him stay grounded. Reconciling with estranged family members becomes a key emotional beat in his journey to stardom.

‘Assassin’s Creed III: Liberation’ (2012)

Aveline de Grandpré navigates the complex social strata of 18th-century New Orleans with the help of her family. She maintains a loving relationship with her wealthy father and her supportive stepmother while also reconnecting with her biological mother. Her position allows her to move between different worlds, aided by the resources and love of her parents. This family network is vital to her work as an Assassin fighting injustice.

‘Watch Dogs 2’ (2016)

Marcus Holloway is a brilliant hacker who fights against the intrusive ctOS surveillance system in San Francisco. While he spends most of his time with his DedSec crew, his biography notes that his parents are alive and he maintains a good relationship with them. He fights to protect the privacy of ordinary people like his family from corporate overreach. His normal upbringing contrasts with the dystopian control he seeks to dismantle.

‘Remember Me’ (2013)

Nilin is a memory hunter searching for her identity in a futuristic Neo-Paris. She eventually discovers that she is the daughter of the setting’s primary antagonists, Charles and Scylla Cartier-Wells. The game concludes with the family reconciling and vowing to repair the damage their technology has caused. This restoration of the family unit serves as the thematic resolution to the story’s conflict.

‘Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League’ (2024)

Floyd Lawton, also known as Deadshot, joins Task Force X with one primary goal in mind. He wants to secure a pardon so he can return to his daughter Zoe and be a father to her. Every action he takes is calculated to ensure he survives the mission and reunites with his child. His love for Zoe humanizes him and distinguishes him from the more chaotic members of the squad.

‘NBA 2K17’ (2016)

The MyCareer protagonist known as Pres grows up in a tight-knit household with both parents present. His father and mother are featured heavily in cutscenes, offering advice and managing the hurdles of his newfound NBA fame. They attend his games and serve as a constant reminder of his roots. This portrayal of a supportive two-parent household provides a wholesome backdrop to the basketball simulation.

‘Street Fighter V’ (2016)

Sean Matsuda is an energetic fighter who trains under Ken Masters to prove himself. He comes from a vibrant family that includes his older sister Laura and their grandfather. The Matsuda family is depicted as close and supportive, with a shared passion for martial arts and their Brazilian heritage. Sean’s interactions with Laura highlight a playful and competitive sibling rivalry that pushes both of them to improve.

‘Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike’ (1999)

Elena is a joyful warrior from Kenya who travels the world to make new friends. She is the daughter of a tribal leader and maintains a strong connection to her parents and her people. Her letters to her father in her ending sequences show a deep respect and love for her family. Elena’s positive outlook is rooted in the secure and happy upbringing provided by her community.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2013)

Franklin Clinton lives with his aunt Denise in the early chapters of the game. While their relationship is often contentious, she represents a consistent family presence in his life. Denise challenges Franklin on his choices and pushes him to do something different with his future. Despite the arguments, she remains a living link to his past and his community in Los Santos.

‘Mass Effect: Andromeda’ (2017)

Liam Kosta is a security specialist on the Pathfinder team who left the Milky Way for a new beginning. He frequently records video messages to send back to his parents on Earth. His dialogue reveals a normal, happy upbringing with parents who supported his adventurous spirit. These messages serve as a personal anchor for Liam as he faces the unknown dangers of the Heleus Cluster.

‘Overwatch 2’ (2022)

Vivian Chase, known as Sojourn, is a veteran soldier who came out of retirement to help her former team. Lore entries and emails confirm she has a living sister named Valentine and a niece named Bonnie. She dotes on her niece and maintains close contact with her family despite her dangerous line of work. This connection gives Sojourn a personal stake in maintaining global peace.

‘Deathloop’ (2021)

Colt Vahn finds himself trapped in a time loop on the island of Blackreef where he is constantly hunted. The leader of the visionaries hunting him is Julianna Blake, who is eventually revealed to be his daughter. The narrative focuses on Colt trying to break the loop to save Julianna from an eternity of repetition. Their antagonistic yet deeply personal relationship is the driving force behind the game’s mystery.

‘The Walking Dead: The Final Season’ (2018)

Clementine completes her journey from a protected child to a fierce guardian in a post-apocalyptic world. She raises AJ, an orphaned boy she took under her wing, effectively becoming his mother. While not biological, their bond represents a surviving family unit that finds happiness and safety against all odds. Their story concludes with them finding a permanent home and a measure of peace together.

Share your favorite gaming family moments or characters we missed in the comments.