Playing God? : Human Gene Editing in Games

Much of our public understanding of human gene editing comes from our interactions with science fiction. Games are one form of science fiction, allowing us to experiment with the ethics and possibilities of gene editing through play. As such, games provide what is arguably the most immersive narrative of gene editing, although those narratives are currently far from feasible.

Below I’ve compiled a list of games that specifically involve forms of human gene editing. Looking through the list, we can see the following narrative qualities represented throughout:

• Dystopias: story-based gameplay requires conflict. Technology is a convenient and common form of conflict for the sci-fi genre, so it is only logical that many of the plots in these games are rooted in tech dystopias. These games vary in how central human gene editing is to the conflict (often correlated to how much gene editing takes place in envisioned world). In some plots, the source of conflict is war or small-scale technology misuse rather than a true dystopia.
• Enhancement: we often think about human gene editing on a spectrum from treatment to enhancement. Many gene editing games fall squarely in the realm of enhancement, using gene editing as a means to explain super powers.
• Biopunk: many of these games, though not all, fall within the biopunk genre. Not all biopunk involves human gene editing (for example, some focuses on mechanical augmentation or non-human gene editing), but the genre carries consistent themes of technology misuse and dystopia.

Human Gene Editing Games

Plasmids in BioShock allow the player to modify their genetic code. Source: GIPHY

• BioShock Series — scientists discover a substance called ADAM used to create plasmids for giving individuals superhuman abilities
• Resident Evil — the Umbrella Corporation focuses on genetic engineering and creates the T-Virus, a mutagen capable of changing the genome of infected individuals
• System Shock — a mutagenic virus being tested on Citadel Station turns the crew into dangerous mutants
• Dark Angel (based on the James Cameron TV show of the same name) — protagonist Max Guevara is a genetically engineered supersoldier
• Evolva — the player’s team of GenoHunters (genetically engineering humanoids) evolve throughout the game by incorporating DNA from creatures they’ve encountered
• Prototype — protagonist Alexander J. Mercer is a genetically engineered shapeshifter with superhuman qualities and the ability to absorb memories and skills from those he “consumes”

Shapeshifting in Prototype, an (albeit exaggerated) result of genetic engineering in the game. Source: GIPHY

• Rogue Trooper — the Genetic Infantry are genetically modified to be resistant to their toxic environment, making them superior soldiers
• SiN — U4 is a potent recreational drug that mutates the genes of its users

Know any other games that involve human gene editing? Other thoughts on the themes we can glean from this genre? Comment below!

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