Black influences in gaming and entertainment is undeniable
Global Black and African American experiences remain important to us all year. Today and beyond, we are spotlighting games, movies, and TV titles curated by Black communities at Microsoft that highlight changemakers, creators, and talent. We celebrate titles that showcase dimensions of diversity across a variety of Black communities, genres, points in time, and relevant circumstances. We reflect on key moments in the ongoing evolution of Black history, changes in Black representation in entertainment, and the impact across Black communities and cultures.
It’s not a game… Well, actually it is
DEATHLOOP
Bethesda Softworks
With a tagline like “If at first you don’t succeed, die die again” you can’t go wrong. DEATHLOOP is a next-gen, first-person shooter game that follows two rival assassins trapped in a mysterious time loop. Doomed to repeat the same day for eternity, “Groundhog Day” it is not as you do what you need to do to break the cycle. With Black French creative director Dinga Bakaba at the helm and several lead Black characters, DEATHLOOP has gone on to win a multitude of awards including the Critic’s Choice Golden Joystick Award (2021) and Best Game Direction and Best Art Direction at The Game Awards in 2021.
Forspoken
Square Enix
British actress Ella Balinska (Caribbean, Polish and British descent) portrays and voices lead character Frey Holland, the protagonist of Forspoken. The role-playing action game follows Frey after she is mysteriously transported from New York City to the breathtaking land of Athia. She finds she’s able to cast powerful spells and use magic from a magical, sentient bracelet on her arm. She soon finds she’s the only hope to the Athians and must decide if she’s up for the task.
As Dusk Falls
Xbox Game Studios
As Dusk Falls is an interactive narrative, adventure game that expands on a multigenerational, dramatic story. Exploring the entangled lives of two families, the premise starts in 1998 after a robbery goes wrong in a small, desert town in Arizona. It’s up to the player to uncover the vastly different character outcomes. Clara Emanuel, Mali Bamber, Erica Lutrell, and Alex Jarrett provide the voices for or serve as the body actors of two key characters, Michelle and Zoe (six-year-old and adult). “As Dusk Falls” won 2022’s Games for Impact Award at The Game Awards.
HUMANKIND™
SEGA Europe Ltd
Ever wonder what you would have done if you were in charge? Well, now’s your chance as you re-write the entire narrative of human history in the historical strategy game HUMANKINDTM. Combine cultures to create your own civilization, while mastering tactical battles on land, sea, and air. And with the addition of over 10 Black hairstyles, customize your leader in a way that best represents you.
Interested in discovering more games reflective of Black and African American cultures? Check out our collection of games showcasing the work of Black creators and talent of Black leads, along with the latest Black character creation options.
The big- and small-screen experience
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Microsoft Movies & TV, Disney+
While mourning the death of King T’Challa (Black Panther), the Wakandans must fight to preserve their legacy from interlopers seeking to strike during the country’s most vulnerable moments. Other nations are attempting to pressure Wakanda to share its precious metal, vibranium, which is regarded as the world’s strongest metal. However, some are trying to apply force. Will they be able to preserve their nation while staving off enemies? Who will lead the charge in the name of Black Panther? Letitia Wright, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Winston Duke, and Angela Bassett return to star in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Michaela Coel joins the all-star cast in this sequel. Ryan Coogler returned to write and direct the highly anticipated sequel.
Nope
Microsoft Movies & TV
Much like Jordan Peele’s “Get Out” and “Us,” his take on Nope offers an air of mystery around two siblings seeking answers surrounding the untimely, albeit weird death of their father. Thinking that perhaps it was the result of extraterrestrial interference, the duo set out to capture a suspected UFO on camera (along with fame and fortune) with the help of a decorated videographer, and a Fry’s video installation guy. However, will the group discover far more than what they bargained for? The movie stars Daniel Kaluuya, Keke Palmer, and Keith David.
From Scratch
Netflix
Afro Latina actress Zoe Saldaña stars as Amahle “Amy” Wheeler in From Scratch, a miniseries based on the memoir of the same name by African-American actress and writer Tembi Locke. Along with her sister Attica, Tembi created this drama for Netflix to showcase the love story of Amy and Lino. Amy, an American student, travels to Italy and falls in love with a handsome Sicilian chef. The whirlwind romance encounters a variety of challenges, including their wildly different cultural backgrounds. However, when their future is unexpectedly threatened, both of their families join to create an unbreakable extended family that no one anticipated but happily embraced. Danielle Deadwyler, Keith David, Kellita Smith, and Judith Scott also star.
The Hair Tales
Hulu
Executive produced by Oprah Winfrey, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Michaela Angela Davis, The Hair Tales is a limited docuseries for Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and Hulu. Featuring the personal hair journeys of Winfrey, Issa Rae, Ayanna Pressley, CHIKA, Marsai Martin, and Chloe Bailey, the series showcases how Black women find and discover their beauty and identity through the “distinctive lens of Black hair.”
Beast
Microsoft Movies & TV
British actor Idris Elba (Sierra Leonean Creole and Ghanaian) stars in this survival action horror film based in the Mopani Reserve (South Africa). Having lost his wife, a recently widowed father of two teenage daughters decides to visit her homeland on vacation to reconnect his family. However, the family encounters an angered lion out for human blood. The family must work together to survive his wrath if they want to make it out alive and in “one piece.” Beast joins the growing list of Will Packer Productions (“Think Like a Man,” “Ride Along,” “Girls Trip,” and more), while also starring Iyana Halley and Leah Sava Jeffries.
Want more options from the big- and small-screens? You’ll find them in our collection of Black creators, leads, and experiences.
Are you an app developer? The Microsoft Store on Windows is committed to empowering Black and African American visionaries to bring their ideas and experiences to Windows. Learn more, then sign up for a free individual developer account through February 28, 2023.