The highly anticipated sequel to Ghost of Tsushima was officially unveiled during PlayStation’s State of Play event on September 24th. Titled Ghost of Yotei, the game shifts away from a direct continuation of Jin Sakai’s story, instead introducing a new female protagonist. This change has sparked a range of reactions from fans. Addressing the backlash, former Sony executive Shawn Layden bluntly responded, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” defending the creative decision behind the new female protagonist.
Amidst the controversy, and in a unique experiment, the mystery box platform Cases.gg used the AI image generator Midjourney to envision some of the most iconic video game characters in gender-swapped roles.
Mario, one of the oldest characters on this list, was introduced in 1981. He didn’t start as the hero of his own series but as a playable character in the first Donkey Kong game. Since then, he’s appeared in over 200 video games, two movies, and many other media adaptations.
Agent 47, a genetically engineered assassin, made his first appearance in the 2000s video game, Hitman: Codename 47. Since then, he has become known for his deadly missions in various forms of media, including over ten video games, two novels, and two live-action movies.
Arthur Morgan, the main character of Red Dead Redemption (2018), is one of the few characters on this list to appear in just one game. Despite this, his storyline has made him a fan favourite and a memorable figure in the gaming world.
First introduced in the 1996 game Crash Bandicoot, this genetically enhanced marsupial has starred in over 20 video games to date. His quirky personality and iconic design have cemented him as one of the most recognisable characters in gaming.
Cloud Strife made his first appearance as the protagonist of 1997’s Final Fantasy VII. Since then, he has appeared in over 30 video games and various other media, becoming one of the most iconic figures in the Final Fantasy series and beyond.
Ellie Williams, best known as the lead character in 2013’s The Last of Us, first appeared in the prequel comic book series The Last of Us: American Dreams. This four-issue series introduced the tough, foul-mouthed teenager before her debut in the game.
Since then, Ellie has been the focus of sequels, additional game content, and a TV adaptation, solidifying her position as a significant figure in the series.
Kazuma Kiryu has appeared in ten games within the Yakuza/Like a Dragon franchise, several film adaptations, and even a stage play based on the series. His enduring popularity makes him a standout character in the franchise’s long history.
The Spartan warrior Kratos has been featured in more than eight games of the God of War series, two comic series, three novels, and multiple crossover appearances in games outside the franchise. His transformation over the years has made him one of gaming’s most compelling characters.
Steve, the iconic player character from 2011’s Minecraft—the best-selling video game of all time as of 2024—has also appeared in four other games, including the spinoff Minecraft Dungeons. His recognisable yet simple design has made him a symbol of creativity and exploration for millions of players worldwide.
Lara Croft first appeared in the 1996 game Tomb Raider for the Sega Saturn. Since then, she has been featured in over 15 games, three films, several novelisations, comic book adaptations, and an upcoming animated series on Netflix. Lara’s adventurous spirit and iconic status have solidified her as one of gaming’s most enduring characters.
Master Chief Petty Officer John-117, a Spartan super-soldier, has appeared in six games within the HALO franchise. He is also central in three of the 19 HALO novels, the 2012 film Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn and the 2022 HALO television series. His role as humanity’s defender has made him legendary in science fiction and gaming.
The adventurous explorer Nathan Drake is the main character in the Uncharted franchise. He has also appeared in several comic book series and a live-action film adaptation. Adored by many for his charisma, he is a cherished figure in contemporary gaming.
Solid Snake, whose real name is David, first appeared in 1987’s Metal Gear. The stealthy super-spy has been featured in over ten games and several novelisations within the series. The Metal Gear franchise has since become one of the most successful and influential in gaming, celebrated for its gameplay and storytelling.
Sonic the Hedgehog became a beloved character worldwide in 1991 as the star of Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis. Since then, he has appeared in over 100 video games, both as a main character and part of the supporting cast. He has also starred in several TV shows and two films, with a third set for release in late 2024.
Commenting on the results, Gabriele Asaro, Head of Research of Cases.gg, said: “AI image generation is still in its early stages, but it’s cool to see how it has already learned to reimagine iconic video game characters as the opposite gender. These reinterpretations highlight the versatility of AI in bringing creative concepts to life that once existed only in our imagination.
“By recreating these familiar heroes with a twist, fans can explore the exciting possibilities when characters step outside of their traditional roles. With Halloween just around the corner, it might even inspire people to embrace characters they hadn’t considered, regardless of their gender.”
