Games with Political Easter Eggs from the Devs’ Own Views
Video games have long served as a medium for artistic expression and social commentary. Developers often embed their own political views and observations into the virtual worlds they create through subtle Easter eggs and environmental storytelling. These inclusions can range from direct references to contemporary movements to satirical takes on corporate culture. By analyzing these hidden messages players can gain a deeper understanding of the perspectives held by the creators of their favorite titles.
‘Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus’ (2017)
Developer MachineGames and publisher Bethesda Softworks used the marketing campaign to align the game with modern political movements. The phrase Make America Nazi Free Again appeared in promotional materials to draw parallels with contemporary slogans. Developers stated that the game was always meant to be an antifascist statement regardless of the current climate. This approach sparked significant discussion about the role of history and politics in mainstream gaming.
‘The Division 2’ (2019)
Developer Ubisoft Massive and publisher Ubisoft included a specific piece of environmental art that featured a recognizable slur and political commentary. A mural in the game depicted a character with a hat that many players interpreted as a reference to a specific political figure. The developers later removed the asset and apologized while claiming it was a mistake by an individual artist. This incident highlighted how personal views from staff can find their way into massive open world environments. It also raised questions about the oversight processes during the development of large scale projects.
‘Disco Elysium’ (2019)
ZA/UM created a narrative that heavily explores various political ideologies including communism and fascism. During an award ceremony the developers famously thanked Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels for providing the political foundation for their world. The game contains a bust of Kras Mazov who serves as a clear stand in for communist historical figures. These elements reflect the personal intellectual backgrounds of the writing team led by Robert Kurvitz.
‘BioShock’ (2007)
Developer Irrational Games and publisher 2K Games crafted a narrative that serves as a direct critique of objectivism. The game features various audio diaries and environmental cues that dismantle the philosophy of Ayn Rand. Characters like Andrew Ryan are designed to represent the ultimate conclusion of unchecked capitalist and individualist ideals. The developers used this setting to explore their own skepticism toward radical political ideologies that ignore social responsibility. This thematic depth helped ‘BioShock’ become a landmark in political storytelling within the industry.
‘Doom Eternal’ (2020)
Id Software and Bethesda Softworks included a joke about the term mortally challenged as a replacement for demons. This line was seen by many as a satirical take on corporate language and political correctness in the real world. The developers used the UAC spokesperson character to deliver lines that mocked modern corporate sensitivity training. This specific Easter egg reflected a critique of language policing often discussed in political circles at the time.
‘Deus Ex: Mankind Divided’ (2016)
Eidos Montreal and Square Enix used the phrase Augs Lives Matter in promotional art and in game assets. This was a direct reference to the Black Lives Matter movement and sparked a debate about the ethics of using real world slogans for commercial products. The developers argued that ‘Deus Ex’ was meant to be a mirror of society and its systemic prejudices. The inclusion of these posters showed a desire to engage with current civil rights struggles through a science fiction lens.
‘Borderlands 3’ (2019)
Gearbox Software and 2K Games featured several references to contemporary American political rhetoric. Characters occasionally utter lines that mimic specific politicians or comment on the nature of border security. The writing team often integrates their personal observations on the state of global politics into the chaotic humor of the series. These Easter eggs are scattered throughout the planet of Pandora to provide a layer of social commentary for observant players.
‘Watch Dogs 2’ (2016)
Ubisoft Montreal developed a story that focused on the ethics of big data and silicon valley culture. One mission involves infiltrating a social media company called Nudle which is a transparent parody of Google. The game includes various audio logs and emails that critique the political influence of tech billionaires. Developers used these assets to share their skepticism regarding the power held by real world technology corporations.
‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)
CD Projekt Red included numerous references to the political landscape of Poland within the side quests and dialogue. Some characters and situations are direct metaphors for historical and contemporary Polish social issues. The developers have often spoken about how their cultural identity and political history influence the dark fantasy world of the game. These subtle nods allow the team to comment on the complexities of power and corruption in their own country.
‘Far Cry 5’ (2018)
Ubisoft Montreal and Ubisoft set this installment in rural Montana to explore the concept of religious extremism and domestic militancy. The developers conducted extensive research into American cults and the political divide between urban and rural populations. While the studio tried to remain neutral in marketing the game contains numerous notes and environmental details that critique specific political mindsets. These items serve as a window into the reflections of the developers on the state of modern American society.
‘Saints Row IV’ (2013)
Volition and Deep Silver featured a storyline where the protagonist becomes the President of the United States. The game includes various jokes about the legislative process and the absurdity of political campaigns. Actor Keith David plays a fictionalized version of himself who serves as the Vice President and delivers lines about political integrity. This satirical approach allowed the developers to voice their opinions on the theatrical nature of real world governance.
‘Papers, Please’ (2013)
Developer Lucas Pope created a simulation that forces players to navigate the bureaucracy of a totalitarian state. The game features various hidden notes and character interactions that reflect the creators views on the inhumanity of strict border controls. Each gameplay mechanic is designed to make the player feel the weight of oppressive political systems. This personal project served as a powerful critique of how political policies impact individual human lives.
Share your thoughts on how game developers incorporate their political views into their work in the comments.