Detroit: Become Human is a video game developed by Quantic Dream and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2018. It follows the story of three androids, Kara, Connor, and Markus, in a dystopian future where their lives intersect and their freedom is fought for. The game explores themes of discrimination, social justice, and the nature of consciousness as players navigate branching narratives through their decisions, with every choice affecting the larger narrative and outcome of the game. While the game received generally positive reviews, it has also been the subject of controversy for its simplistic portrayal of social issues and use of stereotypes. However, Detroit: Become Human has had a lasting impact on the video game industry, inspiring discussions about morality, choice-based narratives, and social issues.

The Complex Narrative of Detroit: Become Human

Detroit: Become Human is a video game developed by Quantic Dream and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. Released in 2018, the game follows the story of three androids as their lives intersect and their freedom is ultimately fought for in a dystopian future where androids are common and marginalized.

The Three Protagonists

The game features three playable characters, Kara, Connor, and Markus. Kara is a domestic android who starts questioning her role and purpose, and eventually becomes a surrogate mother for a little girl named Alice. Connor is an android designed to help the police, and he is assigned to investigate a series of androids that have deviated from their assigned tasks. Markus is a caretaker android who, after an incident that leaves him abandoned and mistreated, becomes a leader of a rebellion against human oppression.

The Dystopian World

Detroit: Become Human takes place in a future where androids are widespread and used for various tasks, but are also marginalized and oppressed by humans. They are not considered alive, and their rights are not recognized. Throughout the game, the player is confronted with issues of discrimination, prejudice, and violence against androids. The game paints a picture of a society deeply divided along the lines of class, ethnicity, and technological advancement.

The Choices and Consequences

The gameplay of Detroit: Become Human focuses on decision-making and branching narratives. The story can go in different directions based on the choices made by the player, and every choice has consequences. The game is designed to allow for multiple playthroughs, with each playthrough offering a different story and outcome. The choices the player makes not only affect the protagonists and their stories, but also the world around them. Every decision has ripple effects on the larger narrative and the ultimate outcome of the game.

The Themes

Detroit: Become Human touches on a range of themes, from the nature of consciousness and free will to social justice and civil rights. The game raises questions about the role of technology in our lives, and the responsibilities that come with creating and using it. It also explores the nature of humanity, and what it means to be alive and sentient. The game does not provide easy answers to these questions, but rather leaves them up to the player to ponder and reflect on.

The Reception and Legacy

Detroit: Become Human received generally positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising its storytelling, characters, and themes. The game has also been the subject of controversy, with some critics arguing that its portrayal of social issues is simplistic and its use of tropes and stereotypes is problematic. Regardless of its reception, the game has had a lasting impact on the video game industry, inspiring discussions about morality, choice-based narratives, and social issues.

Conclusion

Detroit: Become Human is a game that tells a complex and thought-provoking story about the relationship between humans and androids. Through its three protagonists, the game explores themes of discrimination, social justice, and the nature of consciousness. It challenges players to consider the consequences of their choices, and leaves them with a narrative that can be shaped and molded through their decisions. Overall, Detroit: Become Human is a game that pushes the boundaries of what video games can achieve as a storytelling medium.