Origin: A Game that Reflects the Political Climate of Today
Origin is a game developed by EA DICE, published by Electronic Arts, and released on October 21st, 2016. The game is set in an alternate reality where humans have evolved to a point where they possess magical abilities. However, this newfound power has caused the world to be divided between those with magic (the Origin) and those without it.
The story of the game follows the journey of Gully, a young woman who discovers her magical powers and becomes embroiled in a dangerous conflict between the Origin and non-Origin factions. What sets Origin apart from other games is its strong political commentary on today’s society.
One of the most striking aspects of Origin is how it reflects current political issues such as immigration, racism, and authoritarianism. The non-Origin faction represents those who fear and discriminate against people who are different from them. They believe that only they should be allowed to live in their world while others are unwanted intruders.
On the other hand, the Origin faction represents immigrants or minorities who face discrimination due to their differences. They fight for acceptance and equality while also trying to survive in a hostile environment.
Throughout the game’s narrative, players encounter various characters with diverse backgrounds who offer insights into these social issues. For example, players meet Nia – an immigrant who fled her country because she was persecuted for her magical abilities. Nia serves as a reminder that many individuals are forced out of their homes because they’re different than others.
Similarly, some non-Origin characters like General Artemis represent militaristic authoritarianism which is prevalent even today when governments use military force against peaceful protestors calling for change instead of addressing grievances through dialogue.
The gameplay mechanics themselves reinforce this message about inequality – playing as Gully means you must navigate through areas controlled by both factions while being constantly under threat from enemies eager to destroy anyone unlike themselves.
As part of its political commentary, Origin also highlights the importance of solidarity and collaboration in overcoming oppressive systems. Players must work together to achieve their goals and overcome obstacles, showing that collective action is more effective than individual efforts.
Furthermore, the game draws inspiration from real-world events such as the Arab Spring movement or Hong Kong protests. The game’s visuals featuring graffiti art with messages of hope and can be seen throughout the environments Gully explores in her journey.
The use of magical powers in Origin adds another layer to the social commentary made by developers EA DICE. In a world where people possess magic, it’s an advantage that not everyone has access to – similar to how wealth or privilege sets apart certain individuals from others today.
In conclusion, Origin stands out as a video game that offers both enjoyable gameplay mechanics and political commentary on current issues affecting our society. By addressing topics like immigration, racism, authoritarianism head-on without resorting to heavy-handed messaging or preaching players about right or wrong choices – it presents a nuanced perspective on these complex themes while still offering an enjoyable gaming experience.
Origin might have been released five years ago but its message remains relevant even today considering the rise of populism around the world which seeks to divide societies rather than uniting them against common threats such as climate change or economic inequality.