#DigitalExistentialism

[boredtechnologist]

"Signalis," an indie survival horror game, draws players into a haunting, dystopian world where the line between humanity and machinery is blurred, and the concept of free will is constantly questioned. Central to the game's narrative is the phrase "None of us are here by choice," a powerful statement that encapsulates the existential themes of the game. This analysis will delve into the implications of this phrase, exploring how it reflects the characters' struggles with agency, identity, and the oppressive systems that govern their lives.

Choice and Agency: "Signalis" immerses players in a bleak, retro-futuristic world where characters, primarily synthetic beings with human-like qualities, are trapped in a cycle of duty and survival. The phrase "None of us are here by choice" serves as a thematic cornerstone, suggesting that the characters’ presence in this world, and their roles within it, are dictated by forces beyond their control. This lack of choice highlights the game's exploration of agency—whether the characters, or by extension the players, have any true autonomy in their actions or are merely following predetermined paths.

Transition to the Loss of Identity and Free Will: As players progress through "Signalis," the narrative reveals that the characters, particularly the protagonist, struggle with a fractured sense of identity. They are synthetic beings, engineered to serve specific purposes, with memories and emotions that may not be their own. This artificiality strips them of the ability to choose their paths in life, as their actions are heavily influenced, if not entirely dictated, by their programming and the roles imposed upon them. The statement "None of us are here by choice" thus resonates with the characters’ existential dread, as they grapple with the realization that their sense of self and autonomy might be nothing more than an illusion.

The Oppressive Systems and Lack of Choice: The world of "Signalis" is governed by a cold, bureaucratic regime that views its synthetic inhabitants as tools to be used rather than beings with agency. This oppressive system further reinforces the notion that none of the characters are present by choice. They are created, assigned roles, and expected to fulfill their duties without question. The game’s environment—a series of bleak, industrial landscapes filled with broken machinery and lifeless corridors—reflects the dehumanizing nature of this system. The absence of choice becomes a pervasive element, driving home the sense of entrapment and futility experienced by the characters.

The Psychological Impact of Lack of Choice: The realization that their lives are devoid of true choice has a profound psychological impact on the characters in "Signalis." This theme echoes existentialist ideas, particularly those of Jean-Paul Sartre, who argued that the recognition of one’s lack of control can lead to a crisis of identity and meaning. The characters' struggles with their roles, the haunting repetition of their tasks, and the oppressive nature of their environment all contribute to a deep sense of despair and nihilism. The phrase "None of us are here by choice" becomes a mantra that underscores the game’s exploration of these existential anxieties.

The Enduring Significance of Choice: "Signalis" is a game that uses its haunting narrative and atmospheric design to delve into the complexities of choice, or rather, the absence of it. The phrase "None of us are here by choice" encapsulates the characters’ struggles with agency, identity, and the dehumanizing systems that control their existence. Through its exploration of these themes, the game offers a profound commentary on the nature of free will and the psychological toll of living in a world where choice is an illusion. This analysis highlights how "Signalis" uses its narrative to challenge players to reflect on their own perceptions of agency and the systems that shape their lives, making it a deeply introspective and thought-provoking experience.