Video Games That Featured Older Protagonists in Leading Roles

Video games are increasingly featuring characters who are older and have lived full lives, offering a more mature take on action and adventure. These characters often feel world-weary and bring a lot of emotional depth, which is a change from the typical young hero. Developers are using these older protagonists to explore interesting themes like what people leave behind, the challenges of being a parent, and the consequences of a life filled with struggle. This trend likely reflects the fact that gamers themselves are getting older and are looking for more complex and thoughtful stories in their games.

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

Now going by Old Snake, the legendary soldier embarks on one last, crucial mission while rapidly aging. Developed by Kojima Productions and published by Konami, the game takes place in a world controlled by powerful private military companies. Snake must battle through advanced nanomachines and complex war economies to defeat Liquid Ocelot, bringing his decades-long story to a definitive end.

‘God of War’ (2018)

Kratos is back, but this time he’s an older father living in the world of Norse mythology. He’s changed from his previous games and embarks on a journey with his son, Atreus, to spread his wife’s ashes from the highest peak in the realms. The story centers on their relationship and Kratos’s efforts to escape his violent history. This new direction for the series focuses on realistic characters and explores themes of fatherhood and finding redemption.

‘The Last of Us Part I’ (2022)

Joel Miller is a man trying to survive in a United States ravaged by a deadly fungal outbreak. He’s given the difficult job of guiding a teenage girl across a dangerous country. Created by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, the game focuses on Joel’s exhaustion after years of living through the pandemic. He faces threats from both terrifying infected creatures and dangerous groups of people, all while trying to keep the teenager, Ellie, safe. The story delves into the difficult choices and emotional burdens of an older man who has lost his way in life.

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

I’m completely hooked on this game! You play as Geralt of Rivia, a really skilled monster hunter, and the story follows him as he searches for his adopted daughter. It’s set in a huge, war-ravaged world, and what I love is that Geralt isn’t some young hero – he’s a veteran, definitely feeling the wear and tear of years of fighting. The world is changing around him, and it’s messing with the life he’s always known. It’s not just about action though; the story is super detailed, and Geralt uses all his years of experience – both in fighting and making potions – to get by. It’s amazing!

‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ (2024)

Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth brings back legendary hero Kazuma Kiryu alongside new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga in an expansive RPG adventure spanning Hawaii and Japan. Developed by Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio and published by Sega, the game explores Kiryu’s struggles with aging and his past, while offering a deeply emotional story about finding meaning later in life. It’s a touching and powerful look at a beloved gaming icon as he nears the end of his incredible journey, featuring a mix of strategic turn-based battles and compelling character development.

‘Max Payne 3’ (2012)

Years after his time as a New York detective, a worn-down Max Payne now works as a security guard in Brazil, struggling with both addiction and painful memories. This action-packed game, created by Rockstar Games, follows Max as he gets caught up in a dangerous conspiracy involving crooked cops and gangs in São Paulo. The game blends stylish shooting with a realistic, hard-boiled atmosphere, reflecting Max’s aging and troubled state.

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

Sam Fisher has left his government job and is now working independently to uncover the truth behind his daughter’s death. This latest installment in the Splinter Cell series, created by Ubisoft Montreal, shows a more intense and determined side of the seasoned spy. Relying on his extensive military background, Fisher works to expose a far-reaching conspiracy that involves those in positions of power. The game highlights Fisher’s skill and resilience as he faces off against younger, better-equipped opponents.

‘Assassin’s Creed: Revelations’ (2011)

In this final chapter of Ezio Auditore’s story, the now older and wiser assassin journeys to Constantinople to explore the hidden history of his order. Developed by Ubisoft Montreal, the game depicts Ezio in his early fifties as a mentor, and introduces new gameplay features like the hookblade. Unlike previous installments focused on revenge, this game centers on Ezio’s quest for knowledge and shows the effects a life of secrecy has had on him, bringing his long journey to a satisfying close.

‘Dead Rising 4’ (2016)

Sixteen years after the first game, Frank West returns to Willamette as a professor and experienced photographer. In this new installment, developed and published by Capcom, a middle-aged Frank finds himself facing another zombie outbreak. He’s tasked with uncovering the cause of the infection, all while grappling with his own jaded perspective on celebrity and staying alive. The game keeps the series’ signature dark humor and recognizes Frank’s evolution as a well-known character.

‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)

I recently got completely hooked on this RPG called Disco Elysium. You play as Harry Du Bois, a detective who wakes up with absolutely no memory after a huge night. It’s set in this really interesting city called Revachol, and while he’s trying to figure out who he is, he also has to solve a murder. But it’s way more than just a detective story – it really digs into Harry’s failures, regrets, and how a tough life can wear you down. What’s really unique is that you’re basically inside Harry’s head, dealing with all his different thoughts and conflicting personality traits. It’s a really compelling and thought-provoking game!

‘Returnal’ (2021)

In the game Returnal, players take on the role of Selene Vassos, an ASTRA scout stuck in a time loop on the alien planet Atropos. Developed by Housemarque and published by Sony, the game centers around a determined, middle-aged protagonist grappling with past trauma. As Selene battles through hostile environments, players piece together fragments of her life, revealing a challenging history before she arrived on the planet. Her strong and resilient personality shines through as she repeatedly faces death and strives to break the cycle.

‘Alan Wake II’ (2023)

After being stuck in a terrifying otherworld for thirteen years, the famous writer returns, looking older and worn. This game, created by Remedy Entertainment and published by Epic Games Publishing, puts you in the shoes of both Alan and Saga Anderson, an FBI agent, as they confront a supernatural horror. Alan has to use his writing to change reality and finally escape, showing how much he’s grown as an artist struggling with inner demons. Playing as both Alan and Saga lets you really understand Alan’s long, difficult fight against the darkness.

‘Dishonored 2’ (2016)

In this installment, players can choose to play as either Corvo Attano, a seasoned protector and father to Empress Emily Kaldwin, or Emily herself. Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game sees Corvo using his unique powers and years of experience to take back the throne after it’s been seized. His story explores his past actions and the impact they’ve had on the dangerous world around him, as he steps into the role of a guardian figure.

‘Grand Theft Auto V’ (2013)

Michael De Santa is a former bank robber in his late 40s who finds himself pulled back into a life of crime due to his own personal problems. The game, created by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games, focuses on Michael’s struggles with middle age and his difficult relationships with his family. He guides and works with younger criminals as he tries to adapt to the current Los Angeles scene. Through Michael’s story, the game offers a humorous and critical look at the idea of the American Dream, seen through the perspective of an older criminal.

‘Halo Infinite’ (2021)

In the latest installment of the Halo saga, Master Chief battles the Banished across the shattered landscape of Zeta Halo. Developed by 343 Industries and published by Xbox Game Studios, this game highlights Chief’s experience as a seasoned soldier who has seen many of his comrades fall. The story centers around his bond with a new AI companion and his thoughts on a lifetime spent fighting. Though physically enhanced, the game depicts him as a hardened, aging warrior determined to make amends for past errors.

‘Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus’ (2017)

In the 1960s, B.J. Blazkowicz emerges from a coma ready to fight back against the Nazis who have taken over America. Created by MachineGames and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game shows B.J. as a damaged man who relies on a special suit to move around. The story delves into his difficult past and his worries about the future for his children. This game makes the hero more relatable by showing his weaknesses and the emotional toll of years of fighting.

‘Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End’ (2016)

Nathan Drake, a former treasure hunter now trying to live a quiet life, is pulled back into action when his estranged brother unexpectedly resurfaces. This game, created by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, shows Nathan struggling to reconcile his adventurous past with his current responsibilities to his wife and family. It’s a thoughtful ending to the series, exploring the sacrifices made in pursuit of a life filled with adventure and uncovering lost history.

‘Sifu’ (2022)

This game follows a character seeking revenge, starting as a student. However, each time they’re brought back to life by a magical item, they physically age. Players must carefully balance their character’s growing age with their increasing skill in martial arts as they fight five deadly assassins. Becoming older grants more power, but also weakens the character, showing the consequences of age and experience. The story culminates with the hero potentially reaching old age, representing a life devoted to mastering their skills.

‘Firewatch’ (2016)

In the Wyoming wilderness, a man named Henry takes a job as a fire lookout to cope with his wife’s illness. This game, created by Campo Santo and published by Panic, is a story-driven experience where you explore the forest and talk to others. Henry mainly communicates with his supervisor, Delilah, via radio as they both try to unravel the secrets hidden within. The game is praised for its realistic portrayal of loneliness, regret, and the challenges of being an adult.

‘Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days’ (2010)

James Lynch and Adam Marcus are two older, troubled criminals caught in a mess in Shanghai. The game, created by IO Interactive and published by Square Enix, has a rough, realistic look that reflects the characters’ difficult lives. They have to battle their way through the city’s criminal world to escape a failed weapons deal and deal with the fallout from their past mistakes. The game focuses on how desperate and chaotic the lives of these experienced criminals have become.

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

2026-01-22 16:17