The Metal Gear Solid franchise has always been known to push the edges of the technical specifications of the system it has been showcased on as well as push the boundaries of society with their underlying social commentaries found within the franchise. Although this social commentary has been the basis of much success and criticism, it seems that one professor in Texas views it as a teaching opportunity.

This philosophy professor, posting on the Official PlayStation forum as MGS2Fan23, has found the storyline in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty so fascinating and so incredibly deep that it has spurred him to offer a class to students to discuss "Metal Gear and Philosophy." He has also authored an article on the Wikipedia page for Metal Gear Solid 2 explaining the philosophical connection the game shares.

An excerpt from his Wikipedia entry reads, "The entire game itself is designed to represent a a fake reality that eludes the gamer into believing that the events described in the game are really happening and unfolding in a non pre contrived way. However during the last hour of cinematics of the game the antagonists of MGS2 explain that every experienced by the player was infact a manipulated version of reality that was contrived in order for Raiden to behave, act and think in a certain predicted and indirectly imposed manner."

Although the specific university was not disclosed by the author, the author shares that the class is for, "students who have played and finished the game can discuss it with each other and me and earn extra credits in class setting." It definitely is interesting to see video games gaining some mainstream attention as well as academic interest (these folks are definitely the hardest to please!), and all this from a strong PS3 exclusive franchise! 

Forum Posting by Professor

Wikipedia Article

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