The Last of Us Shows How American Politics Influence Video Games in Multiple Ways. Here, we shall discuss this in extreme detail.
-Robin Bhuyan
In recent years, video games have evolved into powerful cultural tools—no longer just an escape from reality, but a medium for social commentary, reflection, and storytelling. Among the games that delve into societal and political themes, The Last of Us stands out. At first glance, it might seem like just another gripping post-apocalyptic survival game filled with zombies and ruthless scavengers. However, beneath the surface, its narrative is a profound commentary on American politics, societal structures, and ideologies. American politics in gaming has become a growing theme, and The Last of Us is a prime example of how American politics influence video games—revealing just how deeply U.S. ideologies shape the stories we play.
So, how does a game about survival in a zombie-ridden world reflect the intricacies of U.S. politics? Is Last of Us really one of the video games inspired by American politics? Whether you’re a gamer, critic, or simply someone interested in the intersection of politics and entertainment, here are five key ways The Last of Us serves as a mirror for the American political climate, showcasing the influence of American politics in gaming.
The Illusion of Democracy and Control
In The Last of Us, players navigate a post-collapse United States where the government is now run by a militarized organization known as FEDRA. This authoritarian regime maintains control through strict curfews, rationing systems, and a pervasive sense of fear. The game creates a world where “order” is maintained through extreme surveillance and regulation, which might try to imply that the supposed democracy is nothing more than a farce. This scenario mirrors real-world discussions about the erosion of civil liberties in the name of national security, particularly following events like the post-9/11 expansion of government surveillance programs. This element in The Last of Us reflects how American politics influence video games, offering a dystopian view of a society that trades freedom for security, much like the political debates that have unfolded in the U.S. for decades.
The Fireflies Represent American Politics in Gaming
Enter the Fireflies, the anti-establishment faction that opposes FEDRA. They claim to fight for freedom and a cure, but their methods are extreme, including bombings and kidnappings. This gray morality mirrors the portrayal of rebel groups in U.S. foreign policy—where one person’s freedom fighter is another’s terrorist. The Last of Us questions whether violent revolution is justified when the system is broken. It’s a perfect example of how political themes in video games examine the complexities of resistance and rebellion. The narrative regarding the Fireflies which is shown in the game reflects how American politics in gaming can complicate the line between justice and extremism, since apparently it draws from real-world U.S. debates on the role of military intervention and revolution.
Capitalism, Chaos, and Political Themes in Video Games
In the game’s world, the black market thrives. Smugglers, like Joel himself, profit by navigating lawless zones and selling contraband. This mirrors critiques of American capitalism, especially how corporations or individuals exploit crises for financial gain—think of real-world examples like Big Pharma controversies or private security contracts during wartime. It becomes quite obvious that the game subtly critiques the American tendency to equate profit with survival. This is another way in which American politics influence video games—by reflecting the darker aspects of capitalism and how those in power capitalize on moments of vulnerability. Thus, we continue to see how Last of Us is one of the video games inspired by American politics.
Healthcare, Sacrifice, and Ethical Dilemmas
If you have played the game, you will remember that The Fireflies’ goal of developing a vaccine comes at a steep price: Ellie’s life. Joel’s decision to save her instead of sacrificing her for the greater good raises moral questions that echo American debates over individual rights versus public health. It’s a fictional but emotionally powerful take on the ever-present U.S. political theme of whose life gets prioritized in healthcare, military service, or economic policy. In this, we see how political themes in video games reflect ongoing conversations in American politics about how personal sacrifice is weighed against societal benefit, especially in health crises.
Gun Culture and Survivalism
Guns are everywhere in The Last of Us. But they’re not just weapons. In the game, you can think of them as a reflection of a survivalist mentality deeply rooted in American identity. The Second Amendment, fears of government overreach, and self-defense myths all find parallels in the way the characters arm themselves. As far as video games and political themes go, The Last of Us doesn’t glamorize guns but shows their necessity in a failed state, asking players to reflect on the dangers of normalizing this mindset. This focus on guns is a direct commentary on how American politics influence video games, given the ongoing debates about gun control, self-defense, and the American ideal of independence.
Why American Politics Influence Gaming Today
The growing discussion around American politics in gaming highlights how storytelling in this medium is evolving. Players aren’t just passively experiencing violence—they’re being asked to question the structures behind it. The Last of Us masterfully embeds these themes without becoming preachy, offering players a lens to examine their own political beliefs and societal values. This integration of political themes in video games showcases the potential for video games to serve as platforms for deeper cultural reflection.
Closing Thoughts
Whether or not you agree with the game’s take on these topics, The Last of Us proves that American politics influence video games in profound ways. Video games inspired by U.S. politics can rival books, films, or television in depth and cultural critique. As the industry matures, expect more developers to lean into complex themes that challenge players not just on skill, but on ideology. The game offers an example of how political themes in video games can go beyond simple narratives, pushing players to confront the societal issues that shape their world.
So next time you boot up your console, pay attention. Your favorite game might be telling you more about real-world politics than the news ever will. Do you agree that The Last of Us is one of the best video games inspired by American politics? Let us know why!
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Author Bio:
Robin Bhuyan is the Editor-in-Chief of Enigmatic Horizon. He’s a passionate gamer who loves getting lost in immersive stories and open worlds. When he’s not playing or writing about games, he’s working toward his dream of becoming a filmmaker. For him, Enigmatic Horizon is a space to share his passion and connect with others who love gaming and storytelling just as much.
Connect with him at: enigmatichorizon2023@gmail.com
