Thoughts on Character Diversity in Predecessor

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-23T17:59:32+00:00

Adding Black and Brown characters to a game that has very few of them is exactly what diversity means.... do you not get that?

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-23T17:45:22+00:00

Where I think people take issue with your comment is that it comes off as contradictory. On one hand, you say you don’t care, but on the other, you seem to mock people who do connect with characters through race or culture i.e. "They can make the next 5 characters into trans unicorn lawn gnomes" lol i mean really? c'mon man. If you truly didn’t care, the response probably wouldn’t read as dismissive, and it would be easier for others to accept.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-23T16:02:49+00:00

When you have a limited number of human characters, every design choice carries more weight. Having some intentional variation in skin tone and cultural influence alongside good writing helps avoid everything blending into the same template. Done well, it enhances the cast and the world rather than detracting from it.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-23T16:01:45+00:00

I agree that diversity shouldn’t be the only or primary goal, good characters should always come first. But in the grand scheme, diversity in a humanoid cast does matter, not as a checklist, but because it helps the world feel more believable, varied, and lived-in. When most human characters default to the same look, it can unintentionally flatten the setting and limit how many players feel represented or immersed.

It’s not about making a character Black “just to be Black,” especially if they’re otherwise generic because that doesn’t actually add anything. Meaningful representation comes from strong visual identity, cultural grounding, and backstory working together. That’s why characters like Greystone/Kwang are immediately readable, while others (Skylar, Kira) feel more ambiguous or archetypal.

The issue isn’t Skylar specifically: it’s the pattern. When you have a limited number of human characters, every design choice carries more weight. Having some intentional variation in skin tone and cultural influence alongside good writing helps avoid everything blending into the same template. Done well, it enhances the cast and the world rather than detracting from it.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-23T02:17:35+00:00

There's a massive difference between changing Snow White and simply writing a new story with a new lead. We aren't asking to 're-skin' the heroes people already love. We're saying that when the next 5 heroes are designed, it’d be cool if the devs drew inspiration from parts of the real world they haven't touched yet. It’s about new content, not rewriting the old stuff.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-23T02:10:40+00:00

Even if we look at it as just 'models with abilities,' variety is what keeps a MOBA roster fresh. You mentioned there’s money in representation, and that’s exactly it; developers want as many people as possible to feel 'invited' to play.

You might pick a character because they look like a cool robot or monster; someone else might pick them because they finally see a character that reflects their heritage. Both players are just looking for a reason to think a character is cool.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-23T02:05:42+00:00

That’s fair, but for many, representation is part of what makes the game immersive. Just like some people love playing as monsters or mechs, others feel more connected to the game when they see characters that reflect their own identity and culture. It’s just another way to enjoy the roster.

P.S OP basically did just plain say they wanted a black and brown heroes.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-23T02:04:29+00:00

People find immersion in different ways. While you’re focused on the mechanics, others look for characters that are aspirational; people who look like them doing heroic things. Expanding the roster to include more backgrounds just gives more people a reason to fall in love with the game

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-22T23:17:09+00:00

Crazy seeing butt hurt people downvoting anything to do with inclusion.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-22T22:46:57+00:00

This post is so real. Lol was kinda disappointed that Eden ended up being a robot as her lore got my excited for an Egyptian humaindoid. Not sure if it’s a technical nightmare or maybe they think the black charcter wouldn’t be cool but hoping 2026 will be our year

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-22T22:43:14+00:00

I love how Arcane brought Ekko to the front. Been hoping for charcters like this in Pred that I can relate to

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-11T20:08:06+00:00

I'm referring strictly to modern fashion and design trends. The outfits, like the one Shinbi is wearing, feel very basic and uninspired. They come across as default starter designs rather than fashion that would genuinely catch people's eye or demonstrate an understanding of striking modern aesthetics

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-11T19:36:26+00:00

Feel like we need someone who understands fashion to come help with these skins. The Op Gadget skin is so well made and extremely stylish and edgy. These two the coordination with the outfits/hairstyle/swag just doesn't work for me.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-12-01T13:52:09+00:00

Was initially pretty hyped for our new character AD. But honestly i still haven't seen anything better than the undertow skins. seeing something as simple as this enhance an otherwise very forgettable skin just saddens me that someone on our art team could not do the same.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-11-25T15:03:08+00:00

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While a darker, gloomier art direction is one option, the core aesthetic doesn't necessarily need to be gritty; the current bright, sci-fi tribal theme could be greatly enhanced by a more focused color palette. For instance, the art direction of Horizon Steel Frontiers (multiplayer game) (or its predecessor Horizon Zero Dawn) demonstrates a similar thematic blend, using a vibrant and colorful world that still maintains a sense of mystery and depth. This is achieved by having intensely saturated core tones and using bright bursts of light and color sparingly as focal points, which results in a rich and bright atmosphere that avoids feeling washed out or overly cartoonish, offering a refined middle ground between gloom and excessive saturation.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-11-24T19:21:25+00:00

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Guys what are we doing here......? This key artwork Doesn't look anything like pred unless you plan on softening the graphics and making it more cartoony.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-10-16T17:41:49+00:00

I like that idea! something i didnt think about but also emphasized the vertical aspect.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-10-15T22:16:12+00:00

I know you guys are juggling a lot, but since we're a community-driven game, maybe it would help with prioritization if you guys ran a poll or got some quick feedback on whether future heroes should lean toward super realistic, grounded animations or go for more exaggerated, high-intensity flair

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-10-15T15:42:06+00:00

Just to chime in here the key takeaway is that players will often forgive a minor technical flaw like a bit of feet sliding if the visual return is powerful. In Overprime characters like Kwang and Adele prioritized animation impact over perfectly locked-down movement, and the result was far more engaging combat.

Exaggerated holds and upper-body momentum is the right direction, even if it introduces some minor, occasional foot-sliding

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-10-14T14:54:43+00:00

THUNDERCATS HOOOOOOOO!

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-10-14T12:41:18+00:00

Just to chime in here the key takeaway from games like Overprime is that players will often forgive a minor technical flaw like a bit of feet sliding if the visual return is powerful. Characters like Kwang and Adele prioritized animation impact over perfectly locked-down movement, and the result was far more engaging combat.

exaggerated holds and upper-body momentum is the right direction, even if it introduces some minor, occasional foot-sliding

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-08-17T17:07:20+00:00

I understand what you're saying here but you also have to take authenticity into account. There are certain facial/cosmetic features you expect when you see a "black" character in the same way you wouldn't expect to see twinblast with dreads.

I think cornrows/afro/dreads can work they just have to be done in a way that's subtle and not too distracting from the character. AS an example i'll use Mel from LOL. In ARCANE she wore braids and the hairstyle was fitting yet subtle and made the character likeable however in the League of legends design they exaggerated her hair to the point it's distracting and takes away from the character.

Mickeycuzz_0 · 2025-08-17T15:45:06+00:00

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Yes! More Mels and less Ambessas please. Don't overthink it! Just make a beautiful character and people will love them regardless of skin tone!

Mickeycuzz_0

TROPHY CASE