You’re likely feeling drained if you’re Black in the US. Everything that has happened from June up until now has been exhausting. It’s been a lot, from experiencing collective trauma and rage to seeing performative — and often meaningless — societal actions. Yet, among all this stress, I noticed something about myself. I was retreating — diving deeper into another world — Koei Tecmo’s Nioh 2.
My avatar in the game (known as Hide) acts like the person I wish I could be. She works for a cause, is seen as an equal, is highly adept, and happens to be Black. Yet, her skin tone does not affect the trajectory of her journey. I realized this is perhaps my greatest opportunity to see a Black person excel with none of the “isms” average Black folks face daily.
Now, before I proceed, I must acknowledge what inspires this game. It’s an action title based on the Sengoku era of Japan. It was a violent and grueling period of civil conflict. It’s far more nuanced, but I must remember it’s not just “a cool samurai game.” I don’t want to merely glorify a fantasy game shaped by history for the sake of entertainment. Also, the game doesn’t shy away from the subject matter involved.
