Breaking Barriers: Overcoming Challenges in Representing Black Hair in Video Games
Isaac Olander, the CEO and art director at Tallgran, a Swedish-based studio renowned for its exceptional 3D models in games like League of Legends and the Spider-Man series by Insomniac Games, shed light on the intricate process of accurately representing Black characters in video games. At the esteemed Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2024, Olander’s panel delved into the complexities surrounding the depiction of Black hair in gaming and the ongoing efforts to achieve authenticity and diversity in character design.
In recent years, the gaming industry has seen a significant shift towards promoting diversity and inclusivity, with initiatives like Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) paving the way for more authentic and representative character portrayals. Despite these strides, Olander emphasized the need for continuous improvement in capturing the essence of characters from diverse backgrounds, including Black individuals, to resonate with the diverse gaming community.
A pivotal aspect highlighted by Olander was the importance of authenticity in portraying Black hair in games. Drawing from his personal experiences growing up in Gambia, West Africa, Olander recalled the impact of games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, which featured a Black protagonist with diverse and culturally authentic hairstyles. For Olander, this representation was a groundbreaking moment that resonated with his own experiences and identity, setting a new standard for inclusivity in gaming narratives.
Authenticity serves as a bridge for players to connect with characters on a deeper level, offering a sense of representation and cultural relevance that is often lacking in mainstream media. Olander underscored the technical challenges and limited representation of Black hairstyles in games, attributing the recurring focus on a single hairstyle, the “Killmonger” cut, to these constraints and a lack of diverse perspectives within development teams.
The “Killmonger” haircut, popularized by the Marvel film Black Panther, has become emblematic of the struggle to diversify Black hairstyles in games, often overshadowing the rich tapestry of styles present within the Black community. Olander pointed out that while the hairstyle may be technically efficient and familiar to developers, its overuse perpetuates a narrow view of Black hair, hindering the industry’s progress towards authentic representation.
To address these challenges, Olander and his colleagues spearheaded the creation of Code my Crown, a comprehensive guide designed to empower 3D modelers and artists in crafting realistic Black hair for games. By collaborating with industry partners like Dove and the Afro Hair Library, Code my Crown aims to provide developers with the tools and resources needed to accurately depict a diverse range of Black hairstyles, fostering a more inclusive and representative gaming landscape.
The positive reception to initiatives like Code my Crown underscores the industry’s growing commitment to inclusivity and cultural authenticity in character design. Olander’s vision for the future of gaming revolves around creative expressions of Black hairstyles that celebrate diversity and individuality, enriching gaming experiences for players of all backgrounds.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and embrace diversity, the ongoing efforts to showcase authentic Black characters and hairstyles reflect a broader commitment to inclusivity and representation. Through collaborative initiatives and a shared dedication to cultural authenticity, developers can create games that not only entertain but also empower players to see themselves reflected in the diverse and vibrant characters they encounter in virtual worlds.