10 Most Controversial Video Game Characters

Introduction

Video games have always pushed boundaries, sparking debates over characters that divide opinions. Some become icons, while others stir controversy due to their design, actions, or cultural impact. These controversial video game characters leave a lasting mark on the industry and its fans.

From protagonists that split fanbases to NPCs that triggered backlash, this list explores the most controversial video game characters ever. Love them or hate them, they refuse to be ignored.

Let’s start with one of the most debated characters in survival horror: Ashley Graham from Resident Evil 4 and its remake.

Ashley Graham – Resident Evil 4 & Remake

Ashley Graham, the President’s daughter in Resident Evil 4, has long been a divisive character. In the original game, she required constant protection, frequently getting in harm’s way. Her AI behavior frustrated many players, making escorting her feel more like a chore than an immersive experience.

The Resident Evil 4 remake changed her significantly—Ashley now dodges attacks, takes cover, and feels more like a real companion. While some welcomed the update, others felt it removed the tension that made her so memorable.

Was Ashley an essential challenge or just an annoying escort mission? The debate still rages among horror game fans today.

Irish – Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption is filled with unforgettable characters, but few are as controversial as Irish. A drunken, foul-mouthed conman, Irish plays a role in John Marston’s journey, often providing comic relief. However, his stereotypical portrayal of an Irishman—perpetually intoxicated, unreliable, and riddled with slurred speech—sparked criticism for being offensive and outdated.

Some players saw Irish as a satirical exaggeration, fitting Rockstar’s dark humor style. Others viewed him as a problematic stereotype that added little to the overall story. His antics frustrated players who felt he was more of a hindrance than a useful ally.

Despite the controversy, Irish remains a memorable part of Red Dead Redemption’s world, representing Rockstar’s bold approach to character design—whether for better or worse

Lara Croft – Tomb Raider

Lara Croft is one of gaming’s most iconic characters, but she has also been at the center of heated debates. Since her debut in Tomb Raider (1996), Lara has been both praised as a strong female protagonist and criticized for her exaggerated appearance, which many saw as an oversexualized design aimed at male gamers.

As the series evolved, so did Lara’s portrayal. The 2013 Tomb Raider reboot redefined her with a more realistic and grounded look, focusing on her survival skills and emotional depth. While many welcomed this change, others felt it stripped away the charm that made her legendary in the first place.

Whether viewed as a gaming pioneer or a problematic figure in character design, Lara Croft remains one of the most talked-about characters in video game history.

Sun Wukong – Black Myth: Wukong

Sun Wukong, the protagonist of Black Myth: Wukong, is based on the legendary Monkey King from Journey to the West, a Chinese literary classic. While the character itself has deep cultural roots, Black Myth: Wukong sparked controversy over its portrayal of Chinese mythology and its depiction of certain mythical beings. Some players and critics debated whether the game was modernizing the legend in an authentic way or taking creative liberties that could be seen as disrespectful.

Additionally, discussions surrounding Black Myth: Wukong touched on representation in gaming, particularly how Eastern myths are adapted for a global audience. With its stunning visuals and action-packed gameplay, the game gained a huge following, but not without controversy over its themes and interpretation of one of China’s most revered mythological figures.

As Black Myth: Wukong continues to gain attention, Sun Wukong remains at the heart of debates on how mythology is translated into video games for different audiences.

Eve – Stellar Blade

Eve, the protagonist of Stellar Blade, has been at the center of controversy since the game’s first reveal. As a highly stylized action heroine, her design drew immediate comparisons to past gaming icons like Bayonetta and 2B from NieR: Automata. However, what set off heated debates was her appearance—particularly her revealing outfit and hyper-feminine aesthetics, which some critics argued were overly sexualized.

Defenders of Eve’s design praised the artistic direction, citing that Stellar Blade embraces a futuristic, anime-inspired cyberpunk aesthetic where bold character designs are part of the genre’s appeal. Others felt her look reinforced outdated tropes, sparking discussions about the portrayal of female characters in modern gaming.

Beyond the visual controversy, Eve’s role in Stellar Blade’s narrative and her depth as a character will ultimately determine her legacy. Whether she is remembered as a groundbreaking action heroine or as a symbol of gaming’s persistent struggles with female representation remains to be seen.

Yasuke – Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Yasuke, the real-life African samurai featured in Assassin’s Creed Shadows, quickly became one of the most polarizing characters in gaming. Ubisoft’s decision to center the game around Yasuke—a historical figure who served under the famous Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga—was met with both excitement and skepticism.

Some praised Assassin’s Creed Shadows for introducing a unique protagonist who brings diversity to a genre that often sticks to traditional samurai narratives. Others, however, questioned the accuracy of Yasuke’s portrayal, arguing that his historical record is limited and that Ubisoft might be exaggerating his role to fit modern storytelling trends.

The controversy deepened as discussions around historical accuracy in video games resurfaced. Some fans welcomed Ubisoft’s creative liberties, while others felt the game risked misrepresenting Japanese history for the sake of inclusivity. Whether Yasuke’s story will be embraced or criticized upon the game’s release remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt he has already sparked one of gaming’s biggest debates.

Astro Bot

At first glance, Astro Bot might seem like an unlikely addition to a list of controversial video game characters. The adorable robotic mascot of PlayStation has charmed players since his debut in Astro Bot Rescue Mission and Astro’s Playroom. However, controversy arose not from the character itself but from his role in the evolving identity of PlayStation.

Astro Bot became a symbol of Sony’s push toward a more family-friendly, mascot-driven brand identity—something that divided long-time PlayStation fans. While some saw Astro as a fresh, lovable face for the company, others felt his prominence signaled a departure from the grittier, mature-focused image PlayStation was known for with franchises like God of War and The Last of Us.

Additionally, his increasing presence led to debates about whether PlayStation was prioritizing nostalgia-driven content over innovation. While many players embraced Astro as a love letter to PlayStation’s legacy, others questioned whether he was being forced into the spotlight at the expense of more anticipated projects.

Regardless of the debate, Astro Bot has secured his place in gaming history—whether as PlayStation’s next great mascot or as a symbol of a divisive shift in the company’s direction.

Abby Anderson – The Last of Us Part 2

Few video game characters have divided players as much as Abby Anderson from The Last of Us Part 2. Introduced as a secondary protagonist, Abby’s story arc forced players to see the world from a different perspective—one that many weren’t ready to embrace.

The controversy stemmed from her role in the game’s most shocking moment, which led to intense backlash from fans who felt emotionally betrayed. Some players despised Abby, seeing her as an antagonist who disrupted the story they loved. Others praised the game for its bold storytelling, arguing that Abby’s perspective added depth and complexity to the narrative.

Beyond the plot, Abby’s muscular physique also sparked debates about character design and realism in video games. While some admired her as a strong, realistic depiction of a survivor, others criticized her look, leading to heated discussions about gender representation in gaming.

Love her or hate her, Abby Anderson remains one of gaming’s most controversial figures, proving that well-written characters can spark just as much debate as the games they inhabit.

Tracer – Overwatch 2

Tracer, the energetic and time-jumping mascot of Overwatch, has been at the center of multiple controversies since her debut. While she’s widely loved for her fast-paced gameplay and charming personality, her character has also sparked heated debates among the gaming community.

One of the biggest controversies arose when Blizzard revealed Tracer as the first openly LGBTQ+ hero in Overwatch. While many praised the inclusion of diverse representation, some players reacted negatively, arguing that the reveal felt like an afterthought or a marketing strategy rather than a natural part of the game’s storytelling.

Tracer was also involved in a more minor but highly publicized controversy when Blizzard adjusted one of her victory poses. Originally, the pose emphasized her backside, which some critics felt was overly sexualized. Blizzard eventually changed it to a more playful stance, leading to debates about censorship, artistic integrity, and the influence of player feedback on game development.

Despite the controversies, Tracer remains one of the most iconic characters in Overwatch, continuing to be a central figure in the franchise’s evolving story.

Trevor Philips – Grand Theft Auto V

If there’s one character who embodies chaos and controversy, it’s Trevor Philips from Grand Theft Auto V. As one of the game’s three protagonists, Trevor is a psychotic, unpredictable criminal whose actions push the boundaries of morality—and taste.

Trevor’s character is deliberately designed to be offensive. He murders, tortures, and commits heinous acts without remorse, making him one of the most disturbing figures in gaming. While some players love his over-the-top, darkly comedic personality, others find him too extreme, even by GTA standards.

One of the biggest controversies surrounding Trevor comes from a particular mission involving torture, which sparked debates on whether GTA V had crossed a line in its depiction of violence. Critics argued that the scene was excessive and unnecessary, while defenders claimed it fit Rockstar’s signature satirical tone.

Despite—or perhaps because of—his shocking nature, Trevor remains one of the most memorable and talked-about characters in gaming history. His presence in GTA V ensures that discussions about violence, morality, and freedom in video games will continue for years to come.