Why is it called Deus Ex?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The Deus Ex series of games gets its title from the Latin phrase “deus ex machina”, which translates to “god from the machine”, referring to the sudden and unexpected introduction of a plot device or character that resolves a complex situation, often in an implausible or contrived way. The term deus ex machina originated in ancient Greek and Roman drama, where a god would be lowered onto the stage via a crane or machine to resolve the plot, and the game’s title is a play on this concept, reflecting the series’ themes of transhumanism, conspiracy, and social commentary.
Understanding Deus Ex
What does Deus Ex literally mean?
Deus Ex is short for “deus ex machina”, with deus meaning god, ex meaning out of, and machina meaning machine, roughly translating to “god out of a machine”.
Why do people say deus ex machina?
Deus ex machina is used to describe any situation where something unexpected or implausible is introduced to resolve a plot or situation, often feeling like a contrived or artificial solution.
What is the message of Deus Ex?
The Deus Ex series explores the conflict between secretive factions vying for control, transhumanistic attitudes and technologies, and their effects on a dystopian near-future world, incorporating references to real-world conspiracy theories, historical mythologies, and philosophies.
Controversy and Criticism
What is the controversy with Deus Ex?
The series has faced criticism, such as the use of the word “apartheid” in marketing, which drew criticism due to its historic association with racial segregation in South Africa.
What is criticism of deus ex machina?
Critics argue that deus ex machina is evidence of a weak plot, as it introduces an artificial or contrived solution, rather than allowing the resolution to arise organically from the story’s events.
FAQs
- What does God in the machine mean?: A person or thing that appears suddenly and unexpectedly, providing an artificial or contrived solution to an insoluble difficulty.
- Why avoid deus ex machina?: It often feels unbelievable or like a coincidence, rather than a natural progression of the story.
- What does it mean to avoid deus ex machina?: Keeping the story grounded and believable, without relying on “divine intervention” to fix things.
- What does Deus mean in the Bible?: God, the creator and ruler of the world, in Christian, Jewish, and other religions.
- Can a person be a deus ex machina?: Yes, if they appear suddenly and provide an artificial solution to a difficult situation.
- Why weren’t the Twin Towers in Deus Ex?: The section of the New York City skyline containing the Twin Towers was absent to reduce memory requirements for the map.
- Did Cyberpunk copy Deus Ex?: Some scenes, like the “calibration” process, bear similarities between Cyberpunk 2077 and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.
- Is Deus Ex connected to Cyberpunk?: Although both are cyberpunk in nature, Deus Ex is an original IP, while Cyberpunk 2077 is based on the Cyberpunk 2020 roleplaying game.
- What is so good about Deus Ex?: The game allows players to complete objectives in various ways, with well-written dialogue and a strong narrative focus.
- Is deus ex machina a bad trope?: It’s often seen as a sign of “lazy writing”, as it can feel contrived or implausible.
- Is deus ex machina a god?: The term refers to a person or thing that appears suddenly to resolve a situation, not necessarily a god in the classical sense.
- What is deus ex machina in mythology?: The term comes from ancient Greek and Roman drama, where a god would be introduced via a machine to resolve the plot.
- Who is famous for his deus ex machina endings?: The ancient playwright Euripides popularized the technique of introducing a god to resolve the plot.
- What are examples of deus ex machina?: Situations where an unexpected event or character resolves a difficult situation, such as a flying robot saving a character from a cliff.
- What is an example of a deus ex machina movie?: The Wizard of Oz, where Dorothy accidentally kills the Wicked Witch with water, is a classic example of this trope.
Conclusion
The Deus Ex series is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of transhumanism, conspiracy, and social commentary, with a title that reflects the concept of “deus ex machina”. By understanding the origins and implications of this concept, players and readers can appreciate the series’ themes and messages more deeply.