8 of the Worst Betrayals in Video Games

Sephiroth is a beloved character of the Final Fantasy franchise, and his betrayal was a shocking revelation within the story of FF7. The saying, the harder you rise the harder you fall is an exemplary statement that describes Sephiroth’s circumstances. His reputation as a hero is marred when he finds out the truth of his upbringing, and his anger turns him to revenge with an irrational blame of humanity. This betrayal is layered, from Shinra’s betrayal of Sephiroth to Sephiroth’s betrayal of not only Shinra but of humanity. 

Albert Wesker (Resident Evil)

Resident Evil has made a name for itself within the horror genre, spawning movie remakes, animated series, and comic book reiterations, and it all started with the first Resident Evil game that came out in 1996. Albert Wesker is a character and one of many villains in the series. He is a through-and-through villain, betraying multiple people and organizations, from his STARS team he captained, including main characters Chris Redfield and Jill Valentine, to Umbrella’s founder and his mentor Ozwell E. Spencer. His deception has caused many ripple effects within the main storyline of Resident Evil and has gained him notoriety in the gaming industry.

Vincent (A Way Out)

A Way Out is a unique co-op game where you and a friend each play either Leo or Vincent, convicts who escape from prison and must run from the cops who are trying to find you. Throughout the game, you work together to outsmart the authorities while building a brother-like friendship between the characters. However, in a huge plot twist, Vincent is found out to be an undercover cop, which Leo could not forgive the deception.

These choices ultimately lead to one character’s death, depending on what the players choose after these revelations. This type of plot twist plays on the player’s emotions as we cultivate a relationship between these two main characters, making Vincent’s deception that much harder and Leo’s choice not to forgive Vincent more excruciatingly heartfelt.

Akira Nishikiyama (Yakuza)

Yakuza is a game series about Kazuma Kiryu, who went to prison for 10 years after covering up a murder for his friend Akira Nishikiyama. An important revelation of the game is when Kiryu uncovers the deep-seated jealousy and betrayal of Nishiki’s actions towards Kiryu. Nishiki’s jealousy and ambition are the causes of many of the hardships Kiryu faces throughout the game. 

Inarius (Diablo IV)

This one is one of my favorites. It’s been a couple of years since Diablo IV came out, and the highlight of this game is its incredible lore. Lilith is the main antagonist of Diablo IV, and though she is an actual demon, her story is one of tragedy and betrayal. Her love and eventual coupling with Inarius, an angel, sparks the beginning of her tragedy. Their coupling leads to a proclaimed safe haven of the war between heaven and hell called Sanctuary, and also a child named Rathma. When Lilith is banished, Inarius, wanting to gain favor with heaven, kills their child and attempts to destroy Sanctuary and Lilith when she is resurrected.

This is heartbreaking because at one point, Lilith and Inarius did love one another. Their bond was forged in Sanctuary and the creation of the nephalem; however, outside forces tore them apart and drove them both mad. Even their confrontation and Inarius’ eventual death at the hands of Lilith is filled with sorrow and despair. 

Big Smoke (GTA: San Andreas)

According to many people, gamers and professionals alike, Big Smoke’s betrayal of CJ, the main protagonist of the game, is one of the worst betrayals in gaming history. It’s calloused and undermining on so many levels, which leaves players stunned, given the image Smoke had cultivated up until his real self is revealed. His non-remorse for his actions is made doubly insulting by how confident and even proud he is of his betrayal.

Wheatley (Portal 2)

We meet Wheatley very early on in Portal 2, who acts as a sort of guide for us throughout the game. Wheatley’s betrayal hurts more, given the fact that we had a genuine relationship and the personality Wheatley portrays. He is jovial and comedic, and when he decides to throw Chell away to the lowest levels, his betrayal is unexpected to say the least.

General Shepard (COD: Modern Warfare 2)

When people think of betrayal in games, this is probably what they are thinking about. General Shepard’s betrayal led to so many characters’ deaths, including members of Task Force 141, which was created by Shepard himself. His betrayal is the cataclysm that causes many consequences further down the COD Universe.