Philosophical Themes in Video Games

In the ever-evolving world of video games, developers draw inspiration from a rich diversity of cultural philosophies to create immersive experienceces that resonate deeply with players. Whether rooted in Eastern spiritual traditions, Western existentialism, Indigenous worldviews, or critical identity theory, these philosophical foundations shape not only the narratives and themes but also the game mechanics and artistic direction. By weaving these diverse philosophies into their work, game designers offer players not only entertainment, but a deep journey into different ways of understanding existence, society, and the human condition.

Cultural philosophies provide a lens through which games can explore fundamental questions, from the nature of reality and the meaning of life to concepts of community, morality, and the relationship between humans and the natural world. This exploration is not just superficial; it permeates every aspect of game development, influencing character motivation, world-building, player choices, and the emotional impact of storytelling. By examining how different philosophical traditions influence game design, we can shed light on how games can be powerful vehicles for cultural expression, education, and heritage preservation.

From the quiet contemplation promoted by Eastern philosophies to the rugged individualism often depicted in Western narratives, each cultural perspective brings its own flavor to game design.

Games inspired by Eastern philosophies can embody themes of harmony, balance, and spiritual growth, offering players a journey that emphasizes introspection and the interconnectedness of all things. Conversely, games influenced by Western philosophies often explore themes such as individual agency, moral dilemmas, and the relentless pursuit of progress and innovation. Indigenous philosophies infuse games with a deep respect for the spiritual importance of nature, community bonds, and ancestral knowledge, promoting narratives that celebrate cultural resilience and environmental stewardship. Games based on postcolonial and critical theory ask players to confront power dynamics, reclaim cultural identity, and critically examine dominant narratives of history and progress. Through these different perspectives, games not only entertain but also educate and stimulate thought. They invite players to explore different worldviews and grapple with complex philosophical ideas in interactive and meaningful ways.

Games inspired by Eastern philosophy often emphasize a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment, incorporating mechanisms that encourage meditation, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace. These games feature tranquil landscapes, minimalist aesthetics, and game mechanics that promote balance and harmony rather than competition and conflict. Players are often asked to reflect on their actions and decisions in search of spiritual or philosophical insights, not just victory.

Journey (developed by Thatgamecompany) is a prime example of a game heavily influenced by Eastern philosophy, specifically the themes of journey, enlightenment, and connection. In Journey, players control a robed traveler, navigating vast deserts and guided by distant mountains to a glittering peak. The game emphasizes exploration, self-discovery, and the bonds you forge with anonymous online companions, and reflects Buddhist concepts of the path to enlightenment, the impermanence of life, and the interconnectedness of all beings. The minimalist game mechanics and striking visual style contribute to a meditative experience that encourages introspection and contemplation.

In contrast, Western-influenced games often emphasize individualism, choice-based narratives, and the consequences of personal agency. Themes of existentialism, morality, and the tension between freedom and responsibility permeate these experiences. Game mechanics can revolve around choices, with each choice affecting the progression of the story, the moral direction, or relationships within the game world. These games ask players to think about their values ​​and ethical boundaries, often confronting them with complex dilemmas without clear answers.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (developed by CD Projekt Red) is an example of a game deeply rooted in themes from Western philosophy, particularly the themes of existentialism and moral ambiguity. Set in a dark fantasy world inspired by Slavic mythology, players control a morally complex protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, as he navigates a morally problematic world filled with political intrigue, personal decisions, and their consequences. The game's narrative is driven by decisions that affect the outcome of the story, reflecting existentialist themes such as personal freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in a chaotic and uncertain world. Through branching storylines and complex character interactions, The Witcher 3 asks players to face ethical dilemmas and deal with the consequences of their actions.The Witcher 3 embodies the exploration of Western philosophy through interactive storytelling.

Indigenous philosophies infuse games with a deep respect for nature and community. Games based in these traditions can emphasize environmental themes, connections to the natural world, and preservation of cultural heritage. Game mechanics may include rituals, storytelling traditions, or cooperative gameplay that emphasize collective goals over individual achievement. These games aim to promote respect for Indigenous knowledge systems and challenge mainstream narratives by centering marginalized perspectives.

Never Alone (developed by Upper One Games) is a notable example of a game heavily inspired by Alaska Native culture, specifically the Iñupiat people. The game is a cooperative puzzle platformer that tells the story of Nuna, an Inupiat girl, and her companion, an arctic fox, who embark on a journey to find the source of the eternal snowstorms that threaten their community. Never Alone's gameplay mechanics emphasize cooperation between Nuna and the fox, reflecting the importance of teamwork and mutual support within indigenous communities. The game's narrative covers themes such as environmental protection, the transmission of cultural knowledge across generations, and the spiritual connection between humans and nature.

Postcolonial and critical theory-inspired games often critique power structures, challenge hegemonic narratives, and address themes such as identity, resistance, and decolonization. These games may employ narrative techniques such as unreliable narrators, nonlinear storytelling, and allegorical settings to encourage critical reflection on historical injustice, cultural erasure, and the ongoing impacts of colonialism. Game mechanics may emphasize resistance tactics, cultural revival, or subversion of prevailing norms, challenging players to rethink assumptions about history, identity, and social justice.

Assassin's Creed III: Liberation (developed by Ubisoft Sofia): This entry in the Assassin's Creed series follows Aveline de Grandpré, a mixed-race African-French assassin who navigates the complex social and political landscape of 18th-century New Orleans. Set against the backdrop of colonial America, the game explores themes such as slavery, liberation struggles, and racial identity. Aveline's story challenges colonial power structures and highlights the intersectionality of race, gender, and class through a critical examination of historical injustices and resistance movements during the colonial period.

In the dynamic field of game design, cultural philosophies serve as the foundation that shapes narratives, game mechanics, and thematic exploration. From quiet introspection inspired by Eastern philosophy to the existential dilemmas inherent in Western narratives, each cultural perspective gives games their own themes and philosophical questions. Through these different perspectives, games not only entertain but also educate, provoke thought, and promote empathy by deeply engaging players with philosophical ideas and cultural perspectives.

By embracing the philosophies of their respective cultures, game developers enrich the medium with stories that resonate on personal, societal, and global levels. Games continue to evolve as a form of artistic expression and cultural reflection, providing a powerful platform for exploring the complexities of human experience and the diversity of philosophical truths from around the world. Fundamentally, incorporating cultural philosophies into game design highlights the transformative potential of games as a medium for storytelling, preserving cultural values, and philosophical exploration. By celebrating diversity and embracing these different perspectives, games contribute to a broader, more inclusive dialogue about the human condition and our shared journey through history and beyond.