We tend to revere and admire the creation of characters in movies and TV. Henry Hill, the main character in Goodfellas, is one of movie lands most memorable character experiences. The same goes for Clark Griswold in the National Lampoons franchise.
But what about gaming?
We often fail to give credit where credit is due for character development in popular games. We’ll course correct today by diving into the intricacies of one of gaming’s most popular protagonist, Niko Bellic from GTA IV.
Rockstar Games’ “Grand Theft Auto IV,” is undoubtedly one of the greatest games of all time. With GTA 6 ready to launch in early December, its worth looking back at how the GTA franchise created one of the most incredible characters in gaming history.
About Niko Bellic
Originally from Eastern Europe, Niko comes to Liberty City, a fictional representation of New York City, seeking the American Dream.
He’s built rough with hard facial features, unshaven, and deep, mysterious, at times, wild eyes.
Niko is a cynic as much as he’s an immigrant. He has a war torn past. During play, gamers uncover much of Niko’s past which is rooted in poverty and war and at times, backstabbers.
But it’s Niko’s war experiences that take centerstage. When he arrives in NYC, he’s hopeful of a better life. But NYC is a rough place with its high crime rates and corrupt politics. In a sense, Niko’s backstory helps him navigate this new cultural experience.
Niko’s interactions with NYC criminals often unveil fresh, distinct attributes of his personality. And he has a capacity for violence, because, yeah, GTA.
But Niko is a blend of harshness and comedic relief.
Significance in Gaming
Niko’s creation marked a significant shift in video game storytelling. Prior, gaming developers focused much less on a single characters influence over a game.
Niko represents a turning point in gaming where a gaming character is seen in similar light to a movie character.
Niko’s complexities drove the gaming industry towards creating characters with more depth.
For example, Red Dead Redemption 2’s Arthur Morgan. His deep backstory and moral challenges are shades of Niko’s depth.
Joel in The last of Us comes with a troubled past and his character develops as the game plays on.
These characters put on display modern gaming’s post-Niko movement towards characters with complex pasts who challenge morality and deal with complicated backstories. Games now want to create the ultimate memorable protagonist.
But it won’t be easy to match Niko Bellic, who remains gamings first and foremost gaming character. With GTA 6 on the verge of launch, it will be interesting to see if they replicate this success through a new character.
But it won’t be Niko, given he died at the end of GTA IV. Well, anything is possible, but it isn’t likely. However, his influence could make way into the new game. We wouldn’t be surprised.