Despite the abundance of nationalities to choose from, it seems that video game developers have a strong connection to the grounds of Ireland, creating some of the industry's most iconically cherished characters to date. Often boasting their pride with regard to their beloved birthplace, the ever-growing list of Irelanders are inching closer to becoming the face of many lucrative franchises, further stamping their country's name on the map.
Though the Land of Saints and Scholars may be represented in a stereotypical manner at times, gamers relish in the thought of wielding these hallowed Paddies, assured their witty dialogue, patriotic slang, and strong sense of humor will incur hours of incessant joy.
7 William Adams (Nioh)
Hired as a scavenging pirate for Queen Elizabeth, yet thrust into the Japanese war against the fearless Oni, William Adams is a clairvoyant navigator and a protagonist of the hit franchise Nioh. With an indomitable spirit for righteousness, this observant Irishman has mastered the art of the Samurai, often utilizing his ability to see spirits in order to save others.
Although he is now a definitive defender of Japan, William Adams' roots to the Emerald Isle are firm, solidified through not only his upbringing in a remote Irish village, but his honorable persona too. Showing little to no sign of fear, William Adams stands out as one of the best among other Micks, reinforcing their unbreakable values and cherished nature.
6 Shay Cormac (Assassin's Creed Rogue)
Once a devoted member to the Colonial Brotherhood and a ferocious enemy to the Colonial Rite, Shay Cormac's emotional journey as not only an Assassin but a Templar is entwined with his Irish nature. Though his persona grows in callousness as the Templar's ideology stains him, the Assassin's Creed Rogue protagonist has always felt a sense of remorse for his actions, clear-cut sign of his beloved heritage.
Filled with Dublin blood, Shay Cormac's migrant upbringing landed him a position as an honorably powerful Assassin. But following tragic events and an overwhelming feeling of betrayal, his outlook on society gradually took a dark turn. Despite this, his unyielding Irish ancestry, memorable accent, and virtuous personality have cemented him as one of the best Paddies gaming has seen.
5 Nina Williams (Tekken)
Notorious for her cold-blooded fighting style, depraved rivalry against her younger sister, and her maliciously traumatized mindset, Nina Williams is a cast member in the renowned fighting franchise Tekken. Daughter to an Aikido champion and a member of an Irish terrorist organization, Nina Williams' combatant background may explain her insensitive assassin-for-hire expertise.
Despite her Irish legacy, she speaks with an American accent, concealing her homeland tongue in a bid to disguise her history. Additionally, the rocky relationship she has with her sibling speaks a thousand words, oftentimes diminishing, beating, and ignoring her entirely, in keeping with her domineering persona. Nonetheless, Nina Williams props herself at a top position among gaming's group of best Irish folks.
4 Anna Williams (Tekken)
Contrasting her heartless sister Nina, Anna Williams is an Irish-born character whose play on the femme fatale trope consumes her personality. While she often uses flirtatious tactics to defeat her opponents, Anna's personality contradicts Nina's entirely. She tends to appreciate and respect the connections she has with her friends and family.
Despite her more sociable attributes, Anna Williams is still a murderous challenger, utilizing all aspects from the martial arts she was taught during her upbringing. Though she cloaks her true accent as well, Anna Williams' fame and recognition in the hit franchise has made her name one of the best Paddies gaming has seen.
3 Jaunty (Shadow Man)
Arguably retaining one of the most tragic backgrounds for Irish video game characters is Jaunty, the eyes and ears for Mama Nettie in Shadowman's Deadside realm. Although Jaunty's role in the hit PS1 survival game isn't immense, his representation for the Emerald Isle is. He speaks in a fierce Dublin accent and pairs it with an unforgettably witty dialogue.
Taking the form of a serpent with a skull for a head, Jaunty's dire end was sealed while on his way home from the pub, as he was kidnapped and sacrificed as part of a harrowing ritual. Debatably saved by the voodoo priestess Mama Nettie, Jaunty's promise to return to Liveside is a hope he latches onto, making this proud Irishman not only one of the best, but one of the most memorable out of the growing list of Micks gaming has to offer.
2 Moira (Overwatch)
Irish support hero Moira leads a life devoted to her genetic engineering research. A calm, cunning, and rational scientist, Moira's role in the lucrative Overwatch franchise is a rather controversial one. She often expresses disgust towards the world-saving team, and a curious interest in humanity itself.
Unafraid in showing her homeland accent, Moira's links to the Land of Saints and Scholars are clear, frequently shouting voice lines and call-outs in true Gaelige form. While her upbringing isn't deeply explored, Blizzard's illustration regarding Moira's Irish nature is seriously impressive, placing her among some of the most revered Paddies gamers know and love.
1 Sean MacGuire (Red Dead Redemption)
The dignified Irishman Sean MacGuire is onstantly cheerful, frustratingly talkative, and full of family anecdotes. Son to a Fenian outlaw, Sean MacGuire's supporting role within Rockstar's cherished Red Dead Redemption 2 brings a sense of comedic relief to the title, oftentimes reminiscing on tales from his upbringing in Donegal, while spewing unfathomable Irish slang.
Prior to being taken in by the Van Der Linde gang, Sean MacGuire's time on the streets forced him into a life of thievery, eventually leading him to cross paths with the infamous Dutch. However, Rockstar's depiction of this renowned Irishman can be deemed stereotypical, regularly showing his love for the bottle, and sleeping. Yet fans around the globe still regard this Mick as one of the best Irish characters the gaming scene has ever created.