Warren Spector, the creator of Deus Ex, believes that if the game were made today, it would be seen as a documentary due to its themes of a dystopian world and competing evil factions. In an interview with PC Gamer, Spector discussed how much the world and game design have evolved in the 25 years since Deus Ex was first released. He mentioned that he wouldn’t create Deus Ex in the same way as he did in 2000 because the issues it addressed then were more fantasy-like but believable at the time.
Spector emphasized that back then, concerns like Y2K, the rise of AI, widespread conspiracies, terrorism, bioengineering, and technological augmentation were prevalent, making it a natural choice to base a game on those themes. However, if he were to revisit the series now, he would focus on more current and urgent topics that warrant exploration.
Regarding Embracer’s decision to cancel Eidos Montreal’s new Deus Ex game and lay off nearly a hundred employees, Spector expressed his confusion and disappointment. He mentioned that while the gameplay approach of the franchise is still relevant, the world and setting need to be updated to resonate with today’s audience.
Embracer’s choice to halt the development of the new Deus Ex game was part of the company’s restructuring efforts to cut costs. Spector was puzzled by this decision, especially since he believes there is still potential for the franchise. Despite the revival of the series, Spector clarified that he is not involved in the creation of a third game.
In conclusion, Warren Spector’s reflections on the Deus Ex franchise shed light on the evolution of game design and the necessity of addressing relevant issues in today’s world. The decision to cancel the new Deus Ex game left fans and developers disappointed, highlighting the challenges of balancing creativity with commercial viability in the gaming industry. As technology and society continue to change, the future of the franchise remains uncertain, but the impact of Deus Ex on the gaming landscape is undeniable.