Deus Ex Co-Writer Addresses Elon Musk's Interpretation of Iconic Game Themes

Deus Ex, developed by Ion Storm and originally released in 2000, stands as a landmark in narrative-driven action role-playing games.

Renowned for its exploration of philosophical topics such as transhumanism, surveillance, and the ethical consequences of technological advances, Deus Ex has continued to influence game design and discourse for more than two decades.

One of its co-writers, Austin Grossman, recently addressed prominent admirer Elon Musk—CEO of Tesla, X (formerly Twitter), and Neuralink—raising concerns over Musk's interpretation of the game's themes.

In an interview with PC Gamer, Grossman articulated his discomfort with Musk's public declaration that Deus Ex is among his favorite video games.

The critique centers around what Grossman perceives as a misreading of the game's core message, particularly given Musk's own investments in surveillance technology and AI through his companies.

"The political commentary and social satire embedded in Deus Ex and also in my later work on Dishonored resonate with many players," Grossman noted.

"It is particularly unsettling that these themes resonate with Elon Musk, as they seem to fit disturbingly well into his worldview.

This may represent the game's most troubling legacy." Grossman further elaborated that Musk appears to view himself as the game's protagonist, JC Denton—a character cast as a morally upright figure battling against elite power structures.

Grossman plainly stated, "It is peculiar that Elon Musk does not recognize his own position within the Deus Ex narrative.

He does not occupy the role of JC Denton." Grossman referred to a previous interview with The Independent, reflecting on his strong opinions about Musk.

With characteristic candor, Grossman expressed concern that Musk sees himself as a relatable hero challenging the status quo, while in reality, he is in a position of substantial power and may lack the critical introspection the game's narrative demands.

In PC Gamer and The Independent, Grossman underscored that Deus Ex intentionally avoids one-dimensional villains, making it challenging to draw direct parallels to real-life figures, but he argued that Musk's self-view deviates markedly from what the writers intended. Deus Ex's ongoing relevance is evident not only in the critical acclaim and lasting influence on the genre but also in its ability to incite debate on technology, ethics, and personal responsibility.

As the gaming industry continues to mature and tackle complex themes, the conversations between creators and influential fans underscore just how powerful—and contentious—the legacy of games like Deus Ex can be.

Deus Ex Elon Musk Austin Grossman Sheldon Pacotti Chris Todd PC Gamer Neuralink X Tesla Grok The Independent