Are the people in Gears of War human?

Are the People in Gears of War Human?

In the Gears of War franchise, the term "human" is a matter of debate. On one hand, the game’s characters, such as Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago, appear to be humanoid, with skin, flesh, and blood. However, the franchise also delves into the world of genetics, DNA manipulation, and hybridization, blurring the lines between human and non-human.

Human Characteristics in Gears of War

In Gears of War, humans exhibit traditional human characteristics such as language, culture, and emotion. The characters interact with each other, show affection, and express themselves in ways that are typical of human beings. This would suggest that, from an anthropological perspective, they are indeed human. Table 1 below outlines some of the key characteristics that define humanity:

Non-Human Elements in Gears of War

However, as mentioned earlier, the Gears of War franchise explores themes of genetic modification and hybridization. The Locust, the game’s primary antagonists, are a species created through genetic engineering, while Myrrah, the Locust queen, was once human but was heavily genetically modified. Figure 1 illustrates the various stages of genetic manipulation and hybridization:

The Sires, who are the progenitors of the Locust, are also a key element in the franchise’s non-human narrative. These beings, with their distinctive "Fleshies" skin and "Rustlung" disease, have been subjected to genetic modification, raising questions about their humanity. Figure 2 shows the physical transformation undergone by the Sires:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the question of whether the people in Gears of War are human is a complex one. While they exhibit traditional human characteristics, they are also the result of genetic manipulation and hybridization. The franchise blurs the lines between human and non-human, challenging traditional notions of what it means to be human.

Future Directions

Further research is needed to explore the themes of genetic manipulation, hybridization, and what constitutes humanity in the context of Gears of War. Table 2 outlines some potential research areas:

In summary, the people in Gears of War are human-like, but the franchise’s exploration of genetic manipulation and hybridization raises important questions about what it means to be human. Figure 3 below illustrates the ongoing debate:

References

[1] Gear of War Wiki, (2022). Sires.

[2] Gear of War Wiki, (2022). Myrrah.

[3] Gear of War Wiki, (2022). Locust.