Factionalism is a concept often explored in video games, where different factions or groups emerge with distinct goals, values, and conflicts. This realism allows players to navigate intricate relationships and face the consequences of factionalism. In Cyberpunk 2077, factions play a significant role in shaping the narrative, missions, and interactions, offering diverse paths and allegiances to explore. Factions range from the powerful megacorporation, Arasaka, to Maelstrom, a ruthless gang known for cybernetic enhancements and criminal activities, players need to increase their reputation to rise in their ranks. Similarly, The Last of Us, a post-apocalyptic survival game, emphasizes social division with isolated societies and different groups like quarantined, non-quarantined, cannibals, and military factions.
Depictions of politics are crucial in creating immersive fictional societies within video games, reflecting real-world systems and increasing player engagement. These games immerse players in political landscapes filled with intrigue, power struggles, and social commentary, mirroring the complexities of our own world. By considering the consequences of political choices, players gain insight into the impact on individuals' lives.
For instance, in The Last of Us, a horrifying fungal pandemic threatens humans with extinction and lead to a chilling political transformation, with military services replacing governmental institutions, leading to autocratic and brutal regimes where democratic rights are abandoned. Whereas Human Zero Dawn presents human society living in tribes at different pre-industrial stages, surrounded by the ruins of the ancients. Each tribe has a leader who establishes rules, and the regime has shifted from totalitarianism to democracy.
In conclusion, video games provide a unique platform to delve into the complexities of social division and politics, enabling players to engage with immersive narratives that reflect real-world challenges and choices. By incorporating these themes, video games enrich the gaming experience and offer valuable insights into societal dynamics and governance scenarios.