Video Games for Juneteenth with Black American Protagonists
Juneteenth is here and you might be thinking about how to celebrate it your way. Like most days of independence around the world, some people gather with family, some go to festivals, and others might find joy in simple moments at home. If you’re a gamer, playing video games that reflect your identity can be a powerful way to honor the day.
Juneteenth is our Independence Day. It’s a time to remember, to reflect, and to celebrate. It marks an important point in Black American history and culture, and every year, more Black gamers look for ways to bring that celebration into their personal passions. That’s where games with strong Black American protagonists come in. These titles let you see yourself in the lead, saving worlds, shaping stories, and controlling the narrative. If you want games to play for Juneteenth, here are a few you should add to your playlist, along with a look at why this holiday matters so much to us.
The official Juneteenth flag
What is Juneteenth and Why Do We Celebrate It?
You may know that Juneteenth has been celebrated for generations, especially in Texas, but what does it really mark? Juneteenth goes back to June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved Black Americans that they were free. This was more than two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation. Many plantation owners had held onto slavery as long as possible. The day the news finally reached Black Texans became a powerful moment of freedom and hope.
That’s why Juneteenth in Texas has always held deep significance. Families would gather, share food, honor their ancestors, and celebrate hard-won freedom. Over time, this commemoration spread to Black Americans nationwide. In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, giving even more visibility to this important date.
When gamers celebrate Juneteenth, it’s not just about remembering history. It’s also about claiming joy, agency, and community. What better way to do that than by playing games that reflect the strength, creativity, and presence of Black characters?
Positive Black Protagonist Games to Play for Juneteenth
When I started looking for video games with positive Black American protagonists, I felt a little disheartened. There still aren’t many. Too often, we’re reduced to thugs, gangsters, or other tired stereotypes. And while representation in media has come a long way, we still have work to do when it comes to fully owning our narratives in gaming. That said, the games that do get it right show just how creative and powerful these stories can be. Here are a few of my favorites to play during Juneteenth.
South of Midnight
Release Date: April 8, 2025
Platforms: PC and Xbox Series
Released April 8, 2025, by Compulsion Games, South of Midnight had Black gamers buzzing. Set in the American Deep South, it draws from Southern Gothic storytelling and Black folklore. You’ll step into the shoes of Hazel, a young Black woman navigating a magical, eerie world. Her strength and personality break away from old stereotypes and offer a fresh take on a Black female hero. South of Midnight is available on on PC via Steam and PC/Xbox Microsoft Store for $39.99
Deathloop
Release Date: September 14, 2021
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Windows (PC), and Xbox Series X|S
In Deathloop, you play as Colt, a Black assassin caught in a strange time loop on the island of Blackreef. Colt is smart, funny, and determined, bringing so much style and charisma to the role. The game’s stylish design and fast-paced mechanics make it perfect for Juneteenth gaming. Seeing Colt’s story unfold from his perspective feels personal and powerful.
Forspoken
Release Date: January 24, 2023
Platforms: PlayStation 5 and Windows (PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, Windows Store
Credit: Square Enix
You’ll meet Frey Holland in Forspoken, a young Black woman from New York who’s suddenly transported to the fantasy world of Athia. Frey’s resilience and sharp wit guide you through her journey, as she uses magic and grit to survive and thrive. Forspoken places a young Black woman front and center, allowing you to experience a new world through her lens.
Watch Dogs 2
Release Date: November 15, 2016
Platforms: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC
Credit: Ubisoft
Marcus Holloway leads the way in Watch Dogs 2, set in the tech-heavy world of San Francisco. A skilled hacker, Marcus takes on corporate corruption and fights for justice. He’s smart, confident, and unapologetically Black. Watch Dogs 2 gives you a refreshing look at how a Black protagonist can shine in a modern setting, complete with humor and community.
Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC
Credit: Playstation
You can’t talk about Black protagonists in gaming without mentioning Spider-Man: Miles Morales. Miles brings his Afro-Latino identity to life as he swings through New York City, fighting villains and protecting his neighborhood. The story touches on family, culture, and responsibility, making it a standout choice for Juneteenth.
She Dreams Elsewhere
Release Date: Coming Soon
Platforms: Windows PC via Steam
She Dreams Elsewhere puts you in the role of Thalia, a young Black woman navigating her dreams and battling inner demons. The game’s dreamy, 2D visuals and thoughtful storytelling provide a unique perspective on mental health, identity, and personal growth. It’s an introspective title that fits well with the reflective mood of the holiday.
Why Representation in Gaming Matters for Juneteenth
Representation in games always matters, but for Black Americans during Juneteenth, it holds extra weight. This is a time when we remember the fight for freedom, the struggles for equality, and the progress we’ve made. Seeing Black protagonists leading the charge in games reminds us that we belong in these spaces.
Too often, Black gamers grow up without seeing ourselves in positive, fully developed roles. Playing as Black leads on a day that celebrates our history and culture adds another layer of pride and connection. It’s a reminder that our stories matter, that we can be heroes, and that we deserve to be front and center.
Juneteenth Trivia
Here’s some fun trivia you can share with friends while gaming on Juneteenth:
Juneteenth originated in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865.
Juneteenth is also known as Emancipation Day and is the oldest known holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the US.
Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas, was purchased by formerly enslaved men specifically to celebrate Juneteenth.
Juneteenth celebrations declined in the early 20th century due to Jim Crow laws and the Great Depression. Celebrations were revived during the Civil Rights Movement.
The Juneteenth flag was designed by Ben Haith and features red, white, and blue signify that enslaved people and their descendants are American, while the star represents Texas and newfound freedom.
Juneteenth celebrations have expanded beyond the United States, including in Coahuila, Mexico, by the Mascogos people—descendants of Black Seminoles who fled slavery in the United States.
Red foods are popular during Juneteenth celebrations, symbolizing resilience. Some red foods you may see include red velvet cake, strawberries and strawberry soda, hibiscus tea, and watermelon.
FAQs About Juneteenth and Gaming
Is it appropriate to celebrate Juneteenth by playing video games?
Yes. How you honor Juneteenth is personal. If playing games with strong Black protagonists helps you connect with the day, it’s a great way to celebrate.
Are there more games with Black leads coming soon?
Yes. More studios are prioritizing diversity in their storytelling.
How can I support Black voices in gaming?
You can support Black developers, streamers, and writers. Play games with Black leads. Share your favorites on social media, write reviews, and uplift Black creators in the gaming community.
Is Juneteenth celebrated only in Texas?
No. While Juneteenth began in Texas and has been celebrated by Black Texans since 1866, Juneteenth has increasingly been celebrated by more Black Americans across the United States and the African diaspora. In June 2021, Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday.
Juneteenth gives you space to honor Black history and culture. For many Black gamers, it’s also a time to take joy in seeing yourself represented on screen. So, fire up your console or PC, load up one of these games, and let your celebration begin.
If you found this helpful or insightful, share your favorite Juneteenth games with your friends or on social media. And while you're at it, keep pushing for more representation in gaming. Your voice matters.
