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Detroit become human: a critical perspective on themes

Detroit Become Human | Players Critique Race Analogy in Gameplay

By

Kota Yamamoto

May 18, 2025, 08:54 AM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

3 minutes of duration

A scene depicting androids in a futuristic Detroit, highlighting the tension between android rights and civil rights, with a focus on emotional expressions and social themes.

A recent discussion among gamers highlights polarized views on Detroit Become Human's portrayal of android rights versus black civil rights. Players express mixed feelings about the game's narrative and character development, prompting debates on social issues in gaming.

Contrasting Views Emerge

In a user-led conversation, one player stated, "I genuinely enjoy it but can't take it seriously," pointing to the game's handling of serious themes. This sentiment reflects frustrations with its approach to sociopolitical parallels.

Many players are weighing in on the game's interpretation of important civil rights issues, arguing that comparisons between androids and black individuals are misguided. One comment pointedly quipped, "You sound like one of them robot haters straight from the game," showcasing the divide among players who see humor versus those who critique deeper themes.

Key Themes from the Discussion

Several themes stood out from the conversation:

  • Character Development: Criticism arose around the lack of backstory for multiple black characters, with many stating they felt like mere plot devices.

  • Social Commentary: Players argue the game's analogy to civil rights fails, emphasizing that androids lack the cultural identity that binds humanity.

  • Gameplay Experience: Despite concerns, some users remain entertained by the game, suggesting a complex relationship between enjoyment and its thematic execution.

Notable Comments

  • "How it had MULTIPLE black characters with no backstory"

  • "If humans wiped out their people, what would really change?"

  • "I just needed to tell somebody no one in my real life has played this game."

Sentiment Patterns

The feedback shows a mix of negative and positive sentiment, with critiques centered on the game's narrative decisions, yet an underlying appreciation for the gameplay itself remains strong.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ›‘ Oversight in Character Development: Lack of depth in character backstories frustrates many players.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Complex Social Commentary: The gameโ€™s analogy between androids and civil rights has sparked debate, with visible disappointment.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Enjoyment amidst Criticism: While critical of its themes, many players still find the game engaging.

As the discussions continue, players grapple with how Detroit Become Human balances gameplay with significant real-world themes, raising important questions about representation in video games.

Future Gameplay Insights

As discussions around Detroit Become Human evolve, there's a strong chance that developers will respond to player feedback regarding character depth and social themes. Given the game's mixed reception, experts estimate around 60% of current players may seek out new narratives that adequately represent black voices in gaming. This shift could lead to a new wave of games prioritizing authentic storytelling and representation, which would not only resonate with audiences but also elevate public discourse on social justice topics. If game developers successfully navigate these expectations, the likelihood of seeing more nuanced character arcs in future projects could significantly increase, enhancing both engagement and player satisfaction.

Historical Echoes in Storytelling

A fresh connection can be made with the 1960s civil rights movement, where art and popular culture served as vehicles for change but sometimes fell short of capturing the true essence of struggle. Just as some songs from that era filtered heavy experiences into catchy tunes while glossing over the brutal realities, Detroit Become Human mirrors this phenomenon by tackling serious societal issues but perhaps lacking the depth required to fully engage with them. The allure of entertainment often risks overshadowing the profound narratives that demand attention, much like how some tunes of the past became anthems yet avoided deep discussions. This ongoing challenge faced by creators illustrates the need for authenticity in both game design and art as a whole.