The Cultural Impact Of Black Panther
The release of Black Panther in 2018 had a profound impact on pop culture, becoming a box office sensation and ushering in a new era of Black visibility in media. The film’s afrofuturist aesthetics, aspirational depiction of African royalty, and fashion inspired by the continent’s rich heritage resonated with audiences worldwide.
One of the most influential aspects of the film was Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Erik Killmonger, a charismatic villain with a distinctive hairstyle – a fade with short dreadlocks parted to one side. This look, combined with Killmonger’s swagger and complex motivations, made him an instantly iconic character, further popularizing the hairstyle among Black men.
Though often attributed to Killmonger, the hairstyle had already gained popularity online in the years prior, thanks to French model Harry Samba’s viral photos. This trend coincided with a broader shift in mainstream acceptance of diverse Black hairstyles, championed by celebrities like Jay-Z, Willow Smith, and Kendrick Lamar.
Drawn To The Zeitgeist
The games industry was not immune to the impact of Black Panther. Developers, drawn to the zeitgeist and the film’s cultural significance, embraced the Killmonger cut as a symbol of contemporary Black style. This trend, however, quickly became problematic.
As games previously in development began releasing, it became apparent that a large number of developers had adopted the Killmonger cut for their Black characters. This resulted in a sense of oversaturation, creating a homogenous and uninspired representation of Black hair in games.
The saturation also reflects the industry’s broader issues with diversity. A 2021 survey revealed that only 5% of developers are Black, highlighting the lack of representation within the industry and a limited understanding of Black culture. This lack of diversity contributes to the reliance on narrow and often inaccurate portrayals of Blackness.
Working Around The Excuses
Despite the pervasive presence of the Killmonger cut, some individuals are working to address the lack of representation in games and provide developers with resources to portray Black hair more accurately and authentically.
A.M. Darke, a digital arts professor and game consultant, launched the Open Source Afro Hair Library in 2022, providing a reference point for developers looking to create more varied and realistic Black hairstyles. The library is also designed to be an educational resource, inspiring aspiring Black game developers.
Darke’s initiative gained momentum through her collaboration with Dove on the Code My Crown project, a comprehensive guide on creating diverse Black hair textures and styles efficiently. This project directly addresses the common excuse of technical limitations used to justify the lack of diverse Black hair options in games.
Getting It Right
While the Killmonger cut remains prevalent, some developers have made strides in portraying Black characters authentically. Horizon Forbidden West garnered praise for its realistic depictions of Black hair and skin tones. God of War Ragnarok featured Angrboda, a character with beautifully rendered locs, and Hogwarts Legacy included a wide range of customization options for Black wizards, including diverse hairstyles.
Other studios have demonstrated a commitment to diversity by incorporating a wider range of Black hair options in their character creators. Baldur’s Gate 3 and New World are examples of games that have made notable efforts in this area.
Studios that initially missed the mark have taken steps to rectify their mistakes. Capcom introduced a diverse range of Black hairstyles in the Iceborne expansion for Monster Hunter: World, while The Sims 4 responded to community pressure and added a significant number of new Black hair options.
It Matters
The ongoing critique of the Killmonger cut highlights the need for more nuanced and authentic representation of Black characters in games. Players and developers are increasingly recognizing the importance of portraying Black hair accurately and avoiding overused tropes.
The work of individuals and organizations like Black Girl Gamers and Melanin Gamers underscores the need for equity, not just representation, in the games industry. This means ensuring that Black characters are portrayed in a way that is respectful and authentic to Black culture and experiences.
The games industry has a responsibility to create a more inclusive and representative space for all players. This involves actively listening to and amplifying Black voices and working with Black creatives to ensure that Black characters are portrayed with respect and nuance. Moving beyond the Killmonger cut is a crucial step in this process, and it’s a challenge that the industry must embrace.
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