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The Authenticity of Digital Blackness
So, March has been something for many reasons. I’m sure that you know why. If you’re a fan of video games, you may have come across know Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Nioh 2 were released — The games are some of the biggest releases of the month, but that in and of itself isn’t surprising.
What’s surprising, however, is how they both allow genuine experiences for Black video game fans. Moreover, these experiences are so surprisingly genuine they feel unapologetically Black in their respective ways.
Before I get on with my article, as a critic and consumer of games, I have to be very picky with my purchases (I don’t get paid for this). After nearly three decades, I can’t be excited about games with an all-white cast/worlds where Black or Brown skin doesn’t exist or is solely regulated to background characters.
This probably sounds ridiculous to you, but my answer is the same when games still largely adhere to the above. We still don’t have a regular slew of high-profile titles starring Black and Brown folks.
Now, Animal Crossing in and of itself isn’t “Black.” Blackness has no definition; Blackness is simply to be. This is why time and again, we have to remind non-Black people we aren’t a monolith. We’re humans with a wide variety of interests and tastes as well. The activities of Animal Crossing…
