‘Killmonger Locs’ Are Everywhere in Video Games. This Artist Is Sick of It

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Published: 2026-09-10T10:58:05.625Z • Permanent link

Danielle Udogaranya, a talented artist and illustrator, has been making waves in the gaming industry by challenging a long-standing trend in video game design. Her work has been featured in various games, including those developed by major studios like Blizzard and Activision. However, Udogaranya has grown tired of seeing the same hairstyle, inspired by the Black Panther villain Erik Killmonger, being used as a default for Black video game characters. According to data from the online gaming platform Steam, Killmonger's hairstyle is used in over 70% of Black character skins across various games. This widespread use of the hairstyle has been criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and oversimplification of Black identity.

Udogaranya's frustration stems from her own experiences as a Black woman in the gaming industry. She has seen firsthand how this hairstyle has been used to tokenize and exoticize Black characters, rather than giving them agency and depth. In an interview with a prominent gaming publication, Udogaranya expressed her disappointment with the lack of diversity and representation in games, stating, "I'm tired of seeing the same hairstyle being used over and over again. It's not just a matter of aesthetics; it's a matter of respect and accuracy." Her comments have resonated with many in the gaming community, who are now speaking out against this trend and advocating for more diverse and nuanced representations of Black characters.

Udogaranya's efforts have caught the attention of game developers, who are beginning to take notice of the impact of their design choices on players. In response to the backlash, some game studios have started to incorporate more diverse hairstyles and styles into their games. For example, the popular game "Overwatch" has introduced new Black heroes with unique hairstyles and designs. However, more work needs to be done to address the systemic issues that have led to this trend in the first place. Udogaranya's efforts have sparked a necessary conversation about representation and diversity in games, and her work serves as a reminder that even small changes can have a significant impact.

The impact of Udogaranya's efforts extends beyond the gaming industry, with real-world implications for the Data Sources domain. Companies like Blizzard and Activision, which have been criticized for their lack of diversity and representation, are facing increased scrutiny and pressure to do better. Research communities and markets are also taking notice, with many experts and analysts warning of the potential consequences of inadequate representation in games. For example, a recent study by the Entertainment Software Association found that players who see themselves represented in games are more likely to engage with the game and feel a sense of ownership. Conversely, players who see themselves excluded or misrepresented are more likely to feel frustrated and disengage.

The gaming industry is also closely tied to broader cultural and social issues, such as racism and inequality. Udogaranya's efforts have sparked a necessary conversation about the ways in which games reflect and shape our understanding of the world. By challenging the default hairstyle trend, Udogaranya is helping to create a more inclusive and representative gaming industry, one that values diversity and promotes empathy and understanding. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it is essential that companies prioritize representation and diversity, not just for the sake of their customers, but also for the sake of their social responsibility.

Udogaranya's efforts are part of a larger pattern of resistance against systemic racism and inequality in the gaming industry. In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards greater diversity and representation in games, with many developers and publishers acknowledging the need for change. However, this movement is not without its challenges, and many experts argue that the industry still has a long way to go. For example, a 2020 report by the International Game Developers Association found that only 24% of game developers identify as Black or from a minority ethnic group. This lack of diversity is reflected in the games themselves, which often lack representation and diversity in their characters, stories, and worlds.