Folklore has been a fundamental aspect of human culture since our earliest days of communication, serving as both a source of entertainment and an exploration of scientific ideas. It exists across diverse cultures, each offering its own captivating narratives that illuminate the human experience.
One often overlooked group in the realm of folklore is the Indigenous peoples—those who inhabited their lands long before colonial powers took hold. Their rich storytelling traditions often go unnoticed, despite being deeply significant culturally and historically.
The history of Indigenous peoples is frequently marked by tragedy, detailed through stories of colonization and the atrocities that followed. For instance, the plight of Native Americans serves as a prominent example, highlighting the broader experiences of Indigenous communities worldwide.
As a representative of the Chaldean community, the Indigenous people of ancient Babylon (present-day Iraq), I recognize the tragic depopulation due to genocide, leaving a diaspora predominantly outside the Middle East. Such histories are critical to acknowledge.
Interestingly, many modern video games have drawn inspiration from Indigenous cultures, either directly or indirectly. Below, we explore notable video games that celebrate Indigenous folklore and culture.
10 Prey (2006)
Nothing Like the Reservation
In 2006, representation in video games was not as prevalent as it is today. Nevertheless, Prey emerged as a groundbreaking title that garnered a dedicated fanbase on Xbox and PC platforms. The game follows Tommy, a Cherokee mechanic living on an Oklahoma reservation, as he embarks on a mission to rescue those abducted by aliens, including his girlfriend and grandfather.
Infused with Cherokee folklore, Prey allows Tommy to unlock spiritual powers from the Land of the Ancients, enabling him to take on his extraterrestrial captors. Despite its fantastical premise, the developers worked collaboratively with Tommy’s voice actor, Michael Greyeyes (a Plains Cree actor), ensuring respectful and authentic representation. The result is an engaging blend of sci-fi and Indigenous mythology that resonates with players.
9 Catherine
Mesopotamian Deities? In MY Anime Girlfriend?
While many anime games reflect Japanese culture, Catherine brings a fresh perspective by rooting its story in Mesopotamian folklore. Set in a fictional version of Brooklyn, this adult-themed game explores themes of love and betrayal through the lens of Vincent, who finds himself caught in a love triangle with the alluring Catherine, a succubus.
This game offers a myriad of endings influenced by player choices, including a climactic battle where Vincent can dethrone Nergal, the Mesopotamian God of War and Death. This unexpected homage to ancient deities adds remarkable layers for players familiar with Mesopotamian myths, making the experience even more enriching.
8 Utawarerumono Series
Finally, Some Ainu Representation
The Ainu, an Indigenous group native to Hokkaido, Japan, have often been overlooked throughout history but have made significant strides in preserving their culture. The Utawarerumono series draws heavily from Ainu traditions and folklore, weaving rich narratives and incorporating Ainu language into its characters’ names.
As one of ATLUS’s signature franchises, the games celebrate the vibrancy of Ainu culture, demonstrating the importance of representation in media. Further, fans should keep an eye out for upcoming titles like Ghost of Yotei, which continues to highlight Ainu heritage.
7 Ecumene Aztec
Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquisition!
Ecumene Aztec combines elements of stealth gameplay with the brutal historical backdrop of the Spanish Conquest. Players assume the role of a young Aztec warrior navigating the treacherous landscape while attempting to avoid sacrificial demands from his elders. Your choices throughout the game shape the narrative as you can decide whether to ally with the Spanish or remain loyal to your people.
Set for release this year, this compelling title is poised to attract attention for its melding of history and interactive storytelling.
6 Never Alone (Kisima Ignitchuna)
Adventure in Alaska’s Unending Blizzard
The Iñupiat community, often misrepresented in popular media, finds authentic representation in Never Alone (Kisima Ignitchuna).This game presents a true depiction of Iñupiat culture, eschewing stereotypes in favor of immersing players in a spiritual narrative that profoundly reflects the community’s heritage.
Set against the backdrop of a relentless blizzard threatening the Iñupiat tribe, players embark on a quest with their companion white fox to uncover the source of the storm. The game’s collaboration with the Iñupiat people ensures a respectful portrayal, with the dialogue delivered entirely in the native language.
5 Until Dawn
Despite its mixed reviews, Until Dawn introduces a haunting representation of the Wendigo, a creature from Algonquian folklore. In this tale, a Wendigo is formed through acts of cannibalism during desperate times, though the game’s portrayal deviates into depicting it as a massive humanoid creature driven by an insatiable hunger.
For many players from Midwestern backgrounds, the Wendigo is a familiar figure. The developers’ choice to incorporate this folklore added a layer of cultural resonance, enhancing the game’s eerie atmosphere.
4 Umurangi Generation
See Modern Maori Through a Camera Lens
Umurangi Generation invites players into the world of street photography, allowing them to explore a vibrant vision of modern Maori life through a sci-fi lens. You play as a Maori photographer, tasked with creating striking visuals that tell the story of your environment, filled with rich cultural references and engaging narratives.
This game stands out for its authentic portrayal of Indigenous culture in a contemporary setting, reminding audiences of the vibrancy and resilience of Maori heritage well beyond historical injustices.
3 HIRU
Actively Anticipating Release Day
Though HIRU has yet to launch, it has already generated excitement for its respectful representation of Maasai culture and African landscapes. Players will embody the teenage son of a Maasai king, who returns from a hunting expedition only to discover his village under siege by poachers, leading to a harrowing rescue mission.
This game shows promise in challenging common stereotypes often depicted in the media, serving as an enlightening experience for many audiences, especially for viewers from various African backgrounds.
A Kickstarter campaign for the game is forthcoming, making it a highly anticipated release for gamers eager for genuine storytelling.
2 This Land is My Land
A Genuinely Unique Survival Experience
The title This Land is My Land poignantly evokes the historical struggles of Native Americans. As an open-world stealth game, players step into the shoes of a tribal chief seeking revenge after colonizers disrupt their life. While the game does not claim full accuracy, it strives for authenticity, showcasing the conflict between colonizers and Indigenous peoples.
This survival game highlights the pain and resilience inherent in this narrative, offering an avenue for catharsis for players whose ancestors sought justice.
1 Assassin’s Creed III
The Truth of America’s Founding
Assassin’s Creed III stands out as a divisive yet profound installment in the franchise. Players assume the role of Ratonhnhaké:ton (known as Connor) — a half-Mohawk protagonist embroiled in the Revolutionary War amidst personal loss, prompting his journey for justice against oppression.
The game presents a nuanced narrative, illustrating the tensions surrounding America’s founding and integrating authentic Mohawk folklore, particularly in its downloadable content that further explores Indigenous narratives. This fresh perspective was rare at its time of release, offering insights into Indigenous experiences that resonate deeply.
Having played this game, many have found it to be their first meaningful encounter with an Indigenous narrative outside their own cultural understanding. It’s worth revisiting if you missed its depth initially.
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