In almost every way, Sam Bridges from Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and its predecessor is the purest archetype of a video game character. He’s a stoic white dude with a gravelly voice. He’s a man of few words and determined action with strong feelings he buries deep. He’s got dark hair and stubble. He’s got a normal, dependable, single-syllable first name and a thematically appropriate surname. Like so many modern examples of the form, he’s a dad now. He is Gruff Video Game Man.

Gruff Video Game Man is the cliché who stares grimly out at you from so many boxes, posters, and trailers. He’s Max Payne, he’s Sam Fisher, he’s Marcus Fenix, he’s Joel Last of Us. He’s that guy from the new Call of Duty trailer who’s so bland he’s actually difficult to see; he’s the empty shell you pour yourself into.

He’s also the antithesis of “diverse” — heteronormative, masculine, and super white. He’s the expression of the lack of imagination among game........

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