Deus Exwas a pathbreaking game that presented a dystopian future, not only in terms of technology, but also society and geopolitical affairs. A lot of the topics the game touched on 24 years ago are relevant today, unfortunately, without the cool futuristic tech. It’s a pity we haven’t got a new entry in the series since 2016.
A new installment was being worked on, but it wascancelled by parent company Embracer Group, who even laid off the developer after two years of development. While the director of the original game, Warren Spector, is confused by this move, he admits that the game would have to drastically change its subject matter in today’s world.
Deus Ex Needs A Deus Ex Machina
Speaking toPC Gamer, Spector admitted that while the approach of the Deus Ex series would be relevant today, the topics the series touches on are already widespread in today’s world. To a certain extent, we’re already living in the dystopian future that the game warned us about. So, if a new Deus Ex game were to be made today, it would have to broach newer topics.
“I really have no idea why Embracer would abandon the Deus Ex franchise, at least for now,” said Spector. “From my perspective, the gameplay approach is still relevant, but the world and situation needs some updating.”
Speaking about the success of the original games, Spector said, “Y2K was around the corner, AI was becoming a thing, conspiracies were everywhere, terrorism was on the rise, bioengineering was in its infancy, techno-augmentation was in the works. All that stuff was floating around in the zeitgeist. Making a game about it was an obvious thing to do.”
While bioengineering and techno-augmentation are still in their infancy, the world is already going through the topic that the game touched on. Sticking to the same narrative would not have the same effect like it did almost 25 years ago – it would feel more like a statement on current affairs rather than the future.
“Frankly, if someone made Deus Ex today, it might be perceived as a documentary. I wouldn’t make Deus Ex again as it was in 2000 when it could be read as a believable fantasy.”
It’s unclear why exactly Embracer cancelled the new Deus Ex game and laid off the entire dev team, but it’s unfortunately in line with the future the game presented.
Deus Ex
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The year is 2052 and the world is a dangerous and chaotic place. Terrorists operate openly - killing thousands; drugs, disease and pollution kill even more. The world’s economies are close to collapse and the gap between the wealthy and the desperately poor grows ever wider.
