| Kim Kitsuragi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| First game | Disco Elysium (2019) |
| Voiced by | Jullian Champenois |
| In-universe information | |
| Title | Lieutenant |
| Occupation | Police detective |
| Origin | Revachol |
Kim Kitsuragi is a character in the 2019 detective video game Disco Elysium. As a non-playable companion character, he assists the player character in solving a murder that comprises the game's main plot. Kitsuragi is defined by his Asian-inspired culture, private queerness, and calm, stoic personality. He is noted by journalists and academics for his reactions to the player's choices, ranging from deadpan quips to moments of approval and vulnerability.
Created by the Estonian studio ZA/UM, Kitsuragi was designed under the direction of Robert Kurvitz, who had developed the fictional setting for a previous novel and tabletop role-playing sessions. The team wanted to innovate on typical dialog trees seen in role-playing video games, deciding to reveal different aspects of Kitsuragi's character in specific situations. The studio decided that the character should have a "vaguely French" accent, leading them to cast actor Jullian Champenois for his voice performance. Champenois worked closely with the team to capture the character's nuances, aligning with the game's themes and tone.
Kim Kitsuragi received acclaim as a standout character from Disco Elysium. Critics highlighted his subtle responses, moral integrity, and endearing presence, describing how his interactions contributed to the game's most memorable moments. Kitsuragi was also celebrated as one of the best video game characters of 2019, with journalists noting his exceptional writing, design, and voice performance. His portrayal is recognized for reflecting Disco Elysium's themes and offering a nuanced representation of queer and cultural experiences.