It’s been a rough few weeks during this tense time, with the fight against police brutality and the uprise of the Black Lives Matter movement across the globe. It’s now more important than ever to support Black-owned businesses in the fight against systemic racism. The gaming community isn’t invulnerable to discrimination, so in support of the BLM movement, here are 8 video games created by Black game developers you can support right now!
1. Treachery in Beatdown City
Founded by game designer Shawn Alexander Allen, his studio Nuchallenger is responsible for this action-packed beat ’em up RPG. In Treachery in Beatdown City, the player must rescue President Orama by traversing through dense cities and brutal enemies. There are 3 players to choose from, as pictured in the thumbnail above, with different types of fighting styles.
This game looks and feels nostalgic, but still has a modern charm to it. It reminds me of River City Girls, another beat ’em up that released in 2019. Treachery in Beatdown City isn’t just any indie game, but a one-man team, too!
Support it by purchasing on Steam or Nintendo eShop.
2. BLeBRiTY
Jesse Williams isn’t just a television or video game actor!
Created by Detroit Become Human‘s Jesse Williams, this app is a charades game with dozens of categories from pop culture and comedy. These categories are sure to start the party, such as “80s Babies”, “Rapper’s Delight”, “Celebrity Beef”, and more. BLeBRiTY is a party trivia game that’s highly inspired by black culture, with its style and imagery wrapped in a game small enough to fit in your smartphone.
Support it by downloading for free for Apple or Android.
3. Tiny Bird Garden Deluxe
Ah, to be a bird and garden caretaker.
Who doesn’t want to spend all day tending to plants and birdies? Well, do I have the game for you. Developed by a husband and wife team, Tiny Bird Garden Deluxe is a game where you grow your own little bird sanctuary. With hundreds of bird types and endless ways to decorate, you’ll never be disappointed.
This game by Super Retro Duck received highly positive reviews, and can even be played on the go with the mobile version. You don’t often see a couple work together and create such a well-crafted game, let alone something so adorable!
Support it by purchasing on Steam, or downloading for free on Apple or Android.
4. Swimsanity!
Take a deep dive into this multiplayer underwater shooter, through both online and local co-op. Created by Decoy Games, founded by brothers Ahmed and Khalil Abdullah, Swimsanity! is coming soon and featured as one of Nintendo’s Nindies. Between co-op, versus, and 8 game modes, this seems like the perfect game for you and your friends to play, especially during this time of social distancing.
Support it by adding it to your Steam wishlist or purchase once it arrives on Switch, PS4 and Xbox later this year.
5. Chrono Ghost
You play as the Chrono Ghost in this platform adventure.
NITETIME Studios presents Chrono Ghost, a puzzle-adventure game. You play as the Chrono Ghost, hopping platforms and racing to prove yourself to the spirit of time. If you love games where you have the power to control time, then this is the indie for you. Developer Kelly Davis achieved spotlights in multiple showcases as well, such as MAGFest and Super Smash Con.
Support it by purchasing on Steam.
6. Breeze in the Clouds
An adorable corgi? Fighting pollution!? Sign me up. Breeze in the Clouds is a 2D action/adventure game developed by SrBilyon Harris. As this adorable puppy named Breeze, you harness the powers of wind and fight bad guys in the name of the planet. Breeze in the Clouds has been launched on Kickstarter, and is being worked on to this day.
Harris, on his game’s website, goes into detail with what he’s been working on behind the scenes, as well as the fun cast of characters he’s created. If you’re a fellow game developer, you may find his videos and posts interesting.
Support it by backing on Kickstarter or by becoming a Patron.
7. She Dreams Elsewhere
Is it just me, or is this hypnotizing?
You’re feeling hazy, just waking up, and you don’t know where you are. What would you do? She Dreams Elsewhere is an RPG adventure where you, Thalia Sullivan, explore a world that mirrors our own. This psychedelic nightmare world, coupled with the art design, reminds me of Undertale, so if you’re a fan of that game, give this one a look. Developer Davionne Gooden and his team at Studio Zevere have created such a unique and surreal game, it’s worth it just to try the demo that’s free on Steam!
Support it by wishlisting on Steam or playing the demo.
8. Aurion: Legacy of the Kori-Odan
Explore Aurioma in this 2D hand-drawn world.
What is my place in this world? This is the main quest you’re set upon to find the answer to. Aurion is based on an African fantasy role-playing game, and in this world of Aurioma, there’s real-time battles and a powerful story. Developed by Kiro’o Games, a Cameroonian studio, this RPG is highly reviewed on Steam, so you know you’re in for a treat.
Support it by purchasing on Steam.
Conclusion
I hope after reading this list, you were able to find a new gem to play or a developer to support. It’s important that no matter how prevalent the Black Lives Matter movement is in the media, it’s crucial to support independent, Black game developers. This ensures that just like any indie developer, these individuals can chase their dreams of creating games.
Thank you for reading, and make sure to leave a comment if there are other games created by Black developers that you love!
