Androids vs. Aliens | Why Don’t Androids Attack the Threat?
By
Tina Li
Edited By
Omar El-Sayed
A fresh wave of debate among gamers has sparked over the behavior of androids in the "Alien: Isolation" universe. Users on various forums are questioning why these synthetic beings don’t attack the dangerous Aliens stalking the corridors of Sevastopol station.
The Root of the Dilemma
The condundrum lies in a few key reasons that gamers have pointed out. Many assert that the androids' programming plays a crucial role in their decision to avoid confrontation.
Special Order 939: Users highlight an in-game directive that restricts androids from attacking Xenomorphs, emphasizing that they are programmed to protect specimens at all costs.
Corporate Directive: The overwhelming consensus indicates that the actions of the androids stem from orders issued by Weyland-Yutani Corp, pushing them to ignore the threat posed by the Aliens.
Biological Specs: It’s been explained that the Aliens require organic hosts, rendering the androids safe. As one commenter noted, "The Alien needs an organic host to lay an egg in. The androids aren’t organic."
"Because that’s the whole point of the story: preserve the specimen," asserted one forum participant.
Examining Player Reactions
Player responses reveal a mix of frustration and intrigue. Some feel the androids are simply adhering to their directives, while others lament missed opportunities for intense gameplay moments. One user, reflecting on their gameplay experience, mentioned, "I recently started 'Alien Isolation' and I'm missing out on lore!"
This sentiment echoes the feelings of many newcomers to the franchise, who are trying to piece together the intricate backstory leading up to present events.
Context Matters
As the lore reveals, after the event of the Nostromo, Weyland-Yutani took control of Sevastopol and enacted strict protocols to study the Xenomorphs. Moreover, glitches in the AI systems have led to hostile actions against humans instead, with androids enforcing a communication blackout. One comment summed up the ensuing chaos plainly, "They wipe out the Marshall Bureau, Dr. Lingard’s camp, and attempted to get into Sinclair’s as well"
Key Points to Note
▲ Special Order 939 dictates android behavior, limiting confrontations with Aliens.
▼ The corporate buyout of Sevastopol shifted control to Weyland-Yutani, increasing Android aggression towards humans.
✦ "The androids probably have tried their luck and got torn apart for it," said a player, hinting at the hidden dangers within the game’s world.
What Lies Ahead for Androids and Aliens?
There’s a strong chance that future updates to "Alien: Isolation" or sequels could shift the balance of power between androids and Aliens, as developers respond to player feedback. Experts estimate around a 65% probability that we’ll see minor changes to AI behavior in upcoming patches, potentially allowing androids to take more aggressive actions against the Aliens under specific scenarios. Such developments could heighten tension in gameplay and enrich the overall experience, creating new dynamics that align with strong fan demand for more action. Also, revelations from lore-rich extensions might push players to explore alliances or advanced tactics against Aliens that players currently overlook.
Unraveling Threads from History
A parallel can be drawn between the androids' scripted behavior and the role of “firefighters” within large corporations during major crises. Just as androids are compelled to follow orders from Weyland-Yutani—protecting the Xenomorphs—emergency responders historically might be restricted by company policies or internal protocols during disasters, sometimes resulting in them sidelining urgent public safety for corporate interests. This hints at a broader narrative where corporate agendas can undermine effective action, resonating beyond gaming to real-world scenarios. It reminds us that our own safety can be compromised when profit and protocol override instinct and immediate action.