Philosophical Choices in Video Games: Manhunt and SOMA
Video games, often seen as mere entertainment, can delve deep into our consciousness and present us with profound questions about morality, ethics, and the human condition. This article explores two such games, Manhunt and SOMA, which present complex, philosophical dilemmas, thereby engaging players in deep reflections about their values and beliefs.
Manhunt: The Brute’s Dilemma
Manhunt, one of the most controversial games of all time, challenges players with a single, relentless question: Should I continue playing this game? The game's objective is simple yet chilling: to kill people in the most brutal ways possible, which turns it into a nihilistic, brutal experience. However, its impact goes deeper than just shock value. As players grapple with the violent scenarios, they face a moral quandary that prompts introspection into their own value systems.
After completing the game, the player may realize its brilliance. Manhunt forces you to face the reality of violence and the consequences of your actions. It doesn’t sugarcoat or moralize; instead, it strips away the layers and leaves you with a raw, personal experience. It poses the question: Is it right to engage in such acts?
SOMA: The Ethical Paradox of Existence
SOMA takes a different, yet equally philosophical approach. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where an asteroid has destroyed all life above sea level, the game explores the concept of existence through the lens of consciousness and technology. The central premise: in the PATHOS-2 facility, only the ‘mockingbirds’—robots with brain-scans of individuals—are left.
A key ethical question arises: Should you leave these individuals, who are essentially alive in a digital sense, to suffer indefinitely, or should you terminate their existence? Is it permissible to ‘kill’ something that is still a conscious entity? This conundrum forces players to question the nature of consciousness and what it means to be human.
Another pivotal choice in SOMA involves the WAU, or the World Awareness Unit. This entity is portrayed as an antagonist, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the WAU is merely trying to save humanity in its own way. By killing the WAU, you ensure the permanent extinction of humanity, while leaving it be may accidentally perpetuate continuous cruel experiments. This choice forces players to consider the broader impact of their actions on a species.
Conclusion
Video games like Manhunt and SOMA not only entertain but also challenge our moral and ethical frameworks. They offer immersive experiences that prompt deep philosophical reflection. These games force us to confront difficult questions: the morality of violence, the nature of consciousness, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. As the gaming industry continues to mature, it is clear that these games are just the beginning of a new era of thought-provoking narratives.