Games That Added “Diversity” Characters Fans Called Completely Pointless

Over the last ten years, video games have begun to feature more inclusive stories and characters from diverse backgrounds. While many gamers enjoy seeing this representation, some attempts have caused disagreements within the gaming community. Players sometimes get upset when they feel that a character’s identity is emphasized more than a compelling story or interesting gameplay. This article looks at several games where the addition of diverse characters was criticized as feeling artificial or simply a response to current trends.

‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ (2025)

Ubisoft received considerable feedback about making Yasuke a playable character. Some players questioned why they chose him as the main character instead of a Japanese man, even though Yasuke was a real historical figure. The developers explained they wanted to offer a new take on the Sengoku period, showing it through the eyes of someone not from that culture. However, some critics felt that prioritizing diversity came at the expense of accurately representing the historical setting.

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

Fans reacted negatively to the new look of the character Deadshot in the latest game, pointing out that he had previously been portrayed as white in earlier versions. The game developers responded by saying the previous Deadshot wasn’t the actual Floyd Lawton, but an imposter. However, many players felt this explanation was a contrived way to match the character’s appearance in the ‘Suicide Squad’ movie.

‘Battlefield V’ (2018)

As a longtime fan of the series, I was pretty surprised when EA and DICE showed off female soldiers in their new WWII game. It especially blew up online when they revealed a character with a prosthetic arm. A lot of people started talking about how it didn’t really fit with the historical setting. The developers explained they wanted to allow for more player customization and show a wider range of characters, which I get, but honestly, some of us were hoping for a more authentic WWII experience and felt like it strayed too far from that realistic feel the game was known for.

‘The Last of Us Part II’ (2020)

Naughty Dog and Sony introduced the characters Abby and Lev, sparking mixed reactions from players. Although the game was praised by critics, some fans believed the inclusion of diverse characters felt forced and served a specific narrative purpose, a concern also raised by the ‘The Last of Us’ TV show. Lev, a young transgender boy, became a focal point in discussions about how identity is portrayed in survival stories. Some critics felt that emphasizing these character traits detracted from the game’s central revenge plot, which had been highlighted in the marketing.

‘Dragon Age: The Veilguard’ (2024)

BioWare and Electronic Arts designed this game to strongly feature the identities and pronouns of its characters. One character, Taash, sparked debate among fans who felt the discussions about gender identity didn’t fit naturally into the game’s fantasy setting. Some players believed these conversations felt more like current social issues being brought into the game, rather than a seamless part of the world. The developers explained they aimed to create companions that felt relatable and representative for all players.

‘Saints Row’ (2022)

Deep Silver and Volition tried to revitalize the series with a fresh group of characters aimed at a younger audience. These new, diverse roommates replaced the tough, classic gangsters seen in older games. However, many fans felt the new characters came across as relatable but unthreatening, more like struggling young adults than dangerous criminals. This change in the game’s feel led to criticism that the characters didn’t fit and ultimately hurt the series’ unique identity.

‘Gotham Knights’ (2022)

The action game, created by WB Games Montréal, lets players explore Gotham as the Bat Family after Batman’s death. Before release, the developers revealed that the character Tim Drake is bisexual, reflecting a current trend in the comics. Some players questioned this inclusion, feeling it didn’t affect the game’s story or how it played. The studio responded by saying they are dedicated to showcasing the diversity found within the DC universe.

‘Dustborn’ (2024)

Red Thread Games and Quantic Dream created an adventure game set in a fractured America, featuring a team of unique and overlooked characters. The game uniquely uses language as a key mechanic and centers on the experiences of those who are often ignored. However, many players found the story to be heavy-handed with its social messages, sacrificing fun gameplay. Discussions about the game frequently suggested that the characters felt included simply to meet diversity requirements.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

I’ve noticed Respawn and EA are really good at adding all sorts of characters to the game, which is cool. But honestly, lately some of the seasonal updates have been a bit much with the character backstories. Don’t get me wrong, the lore is interesting, but sometimes it feels like they’re focusing on gender identity and heritage stuff when what we really need are balance tweaks and bug fixes. It’s frustrating when it feels like the story is taking priority over making the game play better, you know?

‘Borderlands 3’ (2019)

In the game, a character named Lorelei goes through a transition to become Lor. Some players felt this change happened quickly and didn’t really fit with the main story. Although the developers intended to be inclusive, some felt the related conversations seemed unnatural and shoehorned in. This character became a source of disagreement among fans, especially those who enjoyed the style of previous games in the series.

‘God of War Ragnarök’ (2022)

Santa Monica Studio and Sony chose a Black actress to play the character Angrboda in their new game, which is based on Norse mythology. This decision sparked debate online, with some players questioning whether the casting was true to the historical and cultural origins of the game’s setting in Northern Europe. The developers responded by explaining that the game is a fictional story, not an attempt to recreate history. However, some fans believed the casting was a forced effort to prioritize diversity over accuracy.

‘Spider-Man 2’ (2023)

The game ‘Spider-Man’ featured a side quest with Hailey Cooper, a deaf street artist, which sparked mixed reactions. While some appreciated the inclusion as positive representation, others felt it didn’t fit well with the game’s core action. The quest involved a graffiti sequence without combat, and some players found it slow or unnecessary. Some critics suggested the inclusion felt more like a gesture towards diversity than a genuinely engaging addition to the game, especially when compared to the ‘Spider-Man’ movies.

‘Far Cry 6’ (2021)

This installment, developed by Ubisoft Toronto, introduces Paolo de la Vega, a transgender leader fighting for revolution. The game explores both his personal journey with identity and his battle against a harsh dictator. While some players appreciated the focus on his story, others felt it overshadowed other characters. Some critics also argued that the emphasis on identity felt out of place within the game’s setting of a tropical guerrilla war.

‘Overwatch 2’ (2022)

Blizzard Entertainment has recently revealed the sexual orientations of characters like Baptiste and Pharah through story updates. Many fans have noticed these announcements often happen when the company is dealing with criticism or when the game isn’t getting many new features. Some players believe adding these details after the fact feels insincere and doesn’t make the game any better. The gaming community is split on whether these updates are meaningful efforts to include diverse characters or simply a way to divert attention from other issues.

I’m really curious to hear what everyone else thinks about the new characters! How did they change the way you play, and what was your overall experience with them? Let’s chat in the comments – I want to know your thoughts!

2026-01-12 00:16