Released on July 22nd to immense anticipation and hype, Stray by BlueTwelve Studio has taken over the video game world due to its unique gameplay, touching story, and vibrant backdrops. The user controls a cat, navigating around the vibrant dystopian environment in order to uncover a mystery and escape, and it is this idiosyncrasy that is perhaps its largest charm. However, many overlook that this is only possible due to the landscape of the setting, with its dense and compact layout enabling the intricate gameplay. To this end, the developers saw only one possible real-life setting that could serve as an influence - the notorious Kowloon Walled City. From the vibrant neon lights that adorn the streets to the dense and compact nature of Hong Kong's topology, many unique features of Hong Kong make it an attractive option for game designers. For those outside Hong Kong, the games offer a rare glimpse into life in Hong Kong, while for those inside, it is always intriguing to see how video games portray the place we call home.
Sleeping Dogs:
Released on August 14th 2012, Sleeping Dogs is perhaps the most well-known game to be set in Hong Kong to date. In fact, a movie adaptation of the video game, starring Donnie Yen, is in production and is scheduled to be produced in 2022. Due to its "Open World" style - meaning the user can walk around the setting as they choose rather than being forced into locations - it is the most representative and accurate portrayal of Hong Kong to date. In fact, during development, developers travelled to Hong Kong to conduct research on the visual and auditory environment. Playing as undercover police officer Wei Shen, the player infiltrates the Sun On Yee Triad Organisation. In this way, the game lends itself to portray only a certain niche and portion of Hong Kong, rather than the entire package. Superficially, the portrayal of Hong Kong is sensitively accurate, embodying the vibrant and rustic Hong Kong Island, as well as the signature noises that surround the city. While caveats do exist, ranging from the lack of signature landmarks and the exaggeration of Hong Kong back alley debauchery, the game is still the most accurately feeling and looking representation of Hong Kong to date.
Deus Ex:
Set in the year 2052, the 2000 video game Deus Ex is appropriately set in a dystopian, cyberpunk world. The protagonist is taken to various parts of the world, ranging from New York to Paris; however, it is the Hong Kong portion of the game that many feel most dear about. Set mostly indoors, the game's portrayal of Hong Kong's narrow, winding alleys and prevalent shop vendors is an image of Hong Kong that holds true until this day. Taking into account the limitations of hardware at the time, as well as the dystopian theme of the story, the setting is bleak and shallow, omitting many of the neon lights, sounds, and hallmarks of Hong Kong that make it recognizable. In this case, the use of Hong Kong within Deus Ex is likely less due to the geographical features of the city, but more of the "feel" and reputation of Hong Kong in media. Due to sci-fi works Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell, Hong Kong has developed a reputation as a common setting for dystopian metropolises, and hence games, such as Deus Ex, will naturally follow this trend as well, adopting a noir, cyberpunk and mechanical setting.
Shenmue 2:
Shenmue 2 is a cult classic for many involved in the video game industry. Despite mediocre commercial success, it is still regarded as one of the best video games to come from the start of the 21st century. Set in 1980s Hong Kong, the game portrays a more rustic and archaic side of Hong Kong - contrasting with the vibrant lights of a more modern-day Hong Kong such as portrayed in Sleeping Dogs. Furthermore, with respect to the time and place, Shenmue portrays the city's colonial influence of the 20th century, with sights of the colonial flag waving in the air in certain settings.
Shenmue 2 also distinguishes itself in the activities that it provides. In true open-world fashion, the player is able to walk around the street and take part in various activities. Ranging from gambling, mahjong and running a Pachinko Parlour, all of which are emblematic of the Hong Kong of old.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, it is clear to see why Hong Kong is a famous location for video games. Its geographical topology and bright vibrant lights all lend itself as an easy choice for Deus Ex-style cyberpunk dystopian societies. The influence of Hong Kong in Stray is indicative of this as well. However, as Sleeping Dogs and Shenmue 2 show, the use of Hong Kong in video games may also be due to its vibrant culture, eventful streetlife activities, and a debauchery-based reputation that has been built up by action-fighting Hong Kong films of the past. Nevertheless, the representation of Hong Kong in video games is largely superficially accurate; looking, feeling and sounding as it should. Yet ultimately, most games still only portray a certain niche of HK life rather than portraying it holistically. We can only hope that one day, the true extent of Hong Kong's beauty can be portrayed for the world to see.
Sources:
Writing: Eric Wang
Editing: Angela Chan
Graphics: Cynthia Mu
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