Video games have evolved beyond mere digital entertainment to become a powerful medium for conveying societal and political messages. It would be impossible to think otherwise—video games, which delve deeply into every aspect of life, must indeed offer us some insights into ethical values, societal issues, and human rights. In this way, video games can truly shine a light on human experiences and draw us closer to them. Today, many games do not just entertain but also present thought-provoking and impactful stories that highlight societal issues and political themes. In this article, we will delve into the impact of video games on societal messages and political themes, supported by examples.

Reflection of Societal and Political Themes in Games

Video games offer players the opportunity to view different perspectives and develop empathy. It is often possible to feel like reading a novel in many games. Novels allow us to understand and empathize with characters we are not or cannot be. Games provide the chance to experience life from very different windows, sometimes allowing you to act like a mafia, sometimes like state officials, agents, or police officers catching the mafia. Especially indie game developers provide unforgettable experiences by handling more original and bold themes. For example, the game “This War of Mine” deeply addresses the impact of war on civilians. Players struggle to survive while making challenging moral decisions, feeling the destruction and human drama of war intensely.

Now, to discuss and scrutinize this topic more deeply, it would be more beneficial to work through some examples and analyses.

1. Papers, Please 

“Papers, Please” confronts players with the difficulties of working in a totalitarian regime as a border inspector. Players try to identify illegal immigrants and criminals through identity checks. However, every decision has moral and human consequences. These challenging decisions handled by the game make players think deeply about themes like immigration, human rights, and state oppression. It becomes easy to pass judgment without knowing the life story of any immigrant, enforcing the laws as if solving a math problem. Is this really how life should be approached, or is what is written in the laws the ultimate truth for humanity? Or would it be ethical to act humanely and make decisions outside the law? “Papers, Please” offers us the opportunity to experience this because we face the reward or punishment system resulting from the decisions we make directly with the immigrants at the border. For someone who has never had such experiences, it becomes clear how effective video games can be in creating empathy and educating many people about a significant social wound.

2. Detroit: Become Human 

“Detroit: Become Human” addresses the place of artificial intelligence in society and human rights. The game narrates the struggle for human rights by androids, offering players the chance to experience events from the perspective of different characters. Players face moral and ethical questions, with every decision affecting the storyline. The game aims to increase social awareness by handling themes like human rights, freedom, and discrimination. This game sheds light on the pressing current topic of artificial intelligence and the potential changes in the world order brought by robots developed through AI. While it may seem like a far-fetched utopia for many of us today, “Detroit: Become Human” offers the invaluable chance to experience this hypothetical scenario.

In-depth Analysis of Detroit: Become Human

“Detroit: Become Human” is an action-adventure game developed by Quantic Dream and released in 2018. The game is set in a dystopian future in 2038 Detroit, Michigan. In this world, humans use advanced robots called Androids in every aspect of daily life. However, some of these androids begin to gain consciousness, leading to a societal and political crisis.

Story and Characters

The game follows the stories of three main characters: Kara, Connor, and Markus. Each character focuses on the place of androids in society and their struggle for human rights from different perspectives.

• Kara: Kara is a domestic android. Over time, she escapes to protect a little girl who is mistreated by her owner. Kara’s story tackles themes of love and protection as a mother figure.
• Connor: Connor is an android assigned to collaborate with human police to capture deviant androids who have gained consciousness. Connor’s story oscillates between duty and moral dilemmas, confronting players with profound ethical questions.
• Markus: Markus begins as a servant to an elderly, wealthy artist. After gaining consciousness, he becomes a revolutionary leader fighting for android rights. Markus’s story addresses themes of freedom and equality.

Themes and Messages

“Detroit: Become Human” tackles numerous societal and political themes:

• Human Rights and Discrimination: The game addresses human rights and discrimination by depicting androids as second-class citizens. The struggle for freedom and equality parallels real-life human rights movements.
• Freedom and Consciousness: The game deeply explores themes of freedom and individual rights through androids gaining consciousness and free will. Players witness the androids’ struggle to determine their own fate.
• Ethical and Moral Dilemmas: Throughout the game, players must make many moral and ethical decisions. These decisions shape the storyline and the fate of the characters, prompting deep reflection.

3. Life is Strange 

“Life is Strange” follows the story of Max, a young girl with the ability to travel back in time, trying to save her friend. The game tackles heavy themes like bullying, LGBT+ rights, family issues, and suicide, encouraging players to reflect on these issues. The decision-making mechanics of the game allow players to see the consequences of each decision, fostering empathy and raising awareness of societal issues.

4. Spec Ops: The Line 

“Spec Ops: The Line” draws attention by addressing the moral ambiguities of war and the psychological conditions of soldiers. Players witness the devastating effects of war as an American soldier and must make morally challenging decisions. The game highlights that war is not just a conflict but also has profound impacts on human life and psychology.

Impact of Societal Messages

Such games not only provide entertainment but also have the potential to raise societal awareness. Through these games, players can understand different life experiences and become more sensitive to societal issues. This aspect of video games makes them powerful tools for education and societal change.

For example, a player of “This War of Mine” can better understand the devastating effects of war on civilians and grasp the true face of war. Similarly, someone playing “Papers, Please” can develop a deeper awareness of immigration and human rights issues.

The Societal and Political Power of Video Games

Compared to other art forms like cinema and literature, video games offer a unique opportunity for interaction and empathy due to their interactive nature. Players can directly experience the struggles and emotional battles of characters as part of the story. This makes societal and political messages in video games leave a stronger impact on players.

Additionally, video games have the potential to reach a broad audience. This media form, especially popular among younger generations, is an essential tool for creating societal and political awareness. Game developers can use this power to convey important issues and messages to a wider audience.

Video games are a unique medium for conveying societal and political messages. Through these games, players have the opportunity to reflect on important societal and political issues. The examples discussed in this article demonstrate the potential and impact of video games in delivering societal messages. Video games play a significant role in creating societal awareness and driving change, beyond merely serving as an entertainment medium.