Atomic Heart is an upcoming role-playing game released by Deep Silver, a game development company bases in Russia. The game was officially announced to the world in August 2018, which triggered numerous speculations about the game plot and its potential implication on Russia.
Atomic Heart is set in a post-apocalyptic world, with the main plot revolving around a Soviet facility that is infiltrated by the protagonist. The developer has released a handful of trailers and screenshots which capture the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere the game is trying to convey.
Despite the game’s post-apocalyptic setting, some believe that Atomic Heart is a subtle way of promoting Russia’s values and pride. Its main protagonists appear to be Soviet agents, and the game is using language related to communism as well as praising Soviet engineering. A lot of people are hoping that it will help to stir some sort of national pride among younger generations, and even some elderly people who might have forgotten the harshness of past decades.
On one hand, the developer may be hoping to use the game to promote Russian values and patriotism. On the other hand, it could be seen as an example of glorifying an oppressive regime, while creating an inaccurate and romanticized depiction of a period in history.
Here are some pros and cons to consider when discussing the implications of Atomic Heart:
Pros:
Cons:
Atomic Heart is a unique and interesting game, but it is difficult to be certain of its exact implications on Russia. The developer has not been very clear in regards to their intentions, so it will be interesting to see whether the game will be a major source of enlightenment or nostalgia.