The subject of transhumanism raises important questions about human identity and consciousness, with cybernetics, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology being the main topics of this philosophical and scientific deliberation.
In video games, the evolution of humanity and technological development are often subjects of futuristic narratives.
Today, we will explore the best games with transhumanist themes exploring humanity and technology. While some of them are purely fictional, some may present a vision of our future, making them a perfect food for thought in a sometimes controversial subject of transhumanism.
| Game | Release | Genre | Developer | Video | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Deus Ex | 2000-06-22 | Adventure & Shooter | Ion Storm | |
 | Cyberpunk 2077 | 2020-12-10 | Shooter & Role-playing (RPG) | CD PROJEKT RED | |
 | SOMA | 2015-09-21 | Indie & Puzzle | Frictional Games | |
 | Horizon Zero Dawn | 2017-02-17 | Role-playing (RPG) & Adventure | Guerrilla Games | |
 | Prey (2017) | 2017-05-04 | Adventure | Arkane Studios | |
 | The Talos Principle | 2014-12-11 | Indie & Adventure | Croteam | |
 | Detroit Become Human | 2020-06-18 | Adventure & Puzzle | Quantic Dream |
Deus Ex
The Deus Ex series (2000 – present) is one of the most iconic examples of presenting the concept of transhumanism in games, focusing on cybernetic augmentation and the ethical dilemmas related to the subject.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided
Release Date: August 23, 2016
Genres: Role-playing (RPG), Shooter, Puzzle, Adventure
Human enhancement technology is widespread in the Deus Ex universe, but it also deepens social divides within the futuristic society living in a dystopian world. With access to state-of-the-art technology serving as a tool of power or survival, Deus Ex often raises questions about humanity and freedom.
Cyberpunk 2077
Artificial body enhancements are common in Cyberpunk 2077 (2020) as well. The game’s narrative explores transhumanist themes with both main and side quests touching on subjects such as body modification, corrupted technology, digital immortality, human consciousness, and identity.
Cyberpunk 2077
Release Date: December 10, 2020
Genres: Shooter, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
Set in the dystopian megalopolis of Night City, the game uses the corporate control vs. anarchy theme as a background for philosophical and scientific discourse.
SOMA
One of the greatest examples of exploring the subject of transhumanism in video games is without a doubt Frictional Games’ SOMA (2015), an atmospheric science fiction survival horror adventure set in an underwater research facility.
SOMA
Release Date: September 21, 2015
Genres: Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
The plot of the game is focused on slowly discovering the truth about both the protagonist, Simon Jarrett, and his guide, Catherine Chun, with a bittersweet ending, leaving many players questioning human existence and identity.
Horizon Zero Dawn
While Horizon Zero Dawn (2017) may not be the first title to come to mind when exploring transhumanism, its plot includes various themes related to the subject – cyborg identity, AI development and its role in both creation and destruction, technological responsibility, and potential dangers of future advancements.
Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered
Release Date: October 31, 2024
Genres: Adventure
At the same time, the game raises questions about human legacy and survival, using its fictional and futuristic world to analyze current real-world concerns.
Prey
As players decide how far they are willing to go with their non-human abilities, Prey (2017) explores subjects of neural engineering and cybernetics as a form of human evolution.
Prey (2017)
Release Date: May 04, 2017
Genres: Shooter, Puzzle, Role-playing (RPG), Adventure
With multiple science and cultural references scattered around the futuristic space station, the game masterfully blends themes of human, alien, and technological elements to address both the potential and danger of future advancements.
The Talos Principle
The Talos Principle (2014) is a unique puzzle game with a philosophical twist, in which players become a robot that has to navigate ruins filled with various challenges.
The Talos Principle
Release Date: December 11, 2014
Genres: Puzzle, Adventure, Indie
As they progress through the area, they uncover a plot that questions their human consciousness and free will – which are obvious for a human player, but not for the android they’re playing as – as well as explores themes of artificial intelligence and human responsibility for technological advancements potentially becoming self-aware.
Detroit: Become Human
As one of the most complex and emotional portrayals of transhumanic ideas in modern gaming, Detroit: Become Human (2018) follows multiple characters such as caretaker android Markus, police investigator android Connor, and housekeeper android Kara, as their fates intertwine in a futuristic world of social unrest.
Detroit: Become Human
Release Date: June 18, 2020
Genres: Puzzle, Adventure
The game raises questions about civil rights, being alive and conscious, and one’s identity, making it a perfect commentary on the evolution of artificial intelligence and its place in society.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of best video games with transhumanist themes, offering various perspectives on subjects such as cybernetics, artificial intelligence, and the consequences of future technological advances.
Make sure to check them out as they offer not only top-tier entertainment, but also a deep reflection of what may come!