Why Do Video Games Rarely Directly Reference Pop Culture?

Is the idea that video games never directly reference pop culture and other media forms like films and television just a myth? To explore this concept, let's take a closer look at the reality behind video game development and the reasons behind such practices.

Pop Culture and Video Games: A Closer Look

Video games, particularly those based on popular franchises, can be a melting pot of classic and contemporary pop culture. From well-known characters to iconic movies, video games are often filled with references to real-world media, challenging the notion that they never directly reference pop culture.

Wrestling: An Example of Pop Culture in Video Games

Wrestling is undoubtedly a form of pop culture, and video games have capitalized on this. The successful partnership between WWE and video game developers is a perfect illustration. Almost every wrestling video game developed under WWE's license, such as Royal Rumble, SUPERSTAR, and WrestleMania, has used the real names and likenesses of WWE employees. Some examples include:

Hulk Hogan The Rock Undertaker Mankind Rob Van Dam Brock Lesner John Cena

Movie Franchises and Video Games: A Case Study

Movies are another significant source of inspiration for video games, with numerous games based on films. Here are some notable examples:

The Addams Family video games Aladdin franchise video games Alien franchise games Alien vs. Predator games Antz video games Austin Powers games Back to the Future video games Beauty and the Beast video games Bill Ted video games

Payday 2: A Game that Breathes Pop Culture

A prime example of a game that embodies the essence of pop culture is Payday 2. This game is a galaxy of iconic action movie characters and references, even while maintaining its own unique identity. Here is a brief overview of how the game incorporates pop culture:

Playable Characters and Their Real-World Influences

Rust Ron (Pearlman): Resembles Ron Pearlman, a character from Sons of Anarchy, voiced by Ron Pearlman. John Wick: Basis from Keanu Reeves' character, though not an exact likeness, and voiced by Reeves. Jimmy (Sharlto Copley): From Hardcore Henry, voiced by Sharlto Copley. Scarface (Al Pacino): Not an exact likeness but voiced by the same actor who played him in the original Scarface video game. Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez): From Point Break (2015), not an exact likeness and not voiced by him. Chains (Damion Poitier): Similar to his character in Captain America: Civil War.

Supporting Characters and Their Influences

Aldstone (John Cleese): From Monty Python series, voiced by the actor. The Dentist (Giancarlo Esposito): From Breaking Bad, voiced by Esposito himself. The President of the USA: Played by John De Lancie. Alesso (DJ): Represented in the game during a heist at his concert, with music written specifically for the game.

Pop Culture-Infused Heists

The many heists in Payday 2 are heavily influenced by popular films:

Alesso Heist Birth of Sky (Point Break 2015) Boiling Point (Hardcore Henry) Brooklyn 10-10 (John Wick) Car Shop (Gone in 60 Seconds) Golden Grin Casino (Ocean's 11) Heat Street (Heat) Hell's Island (The Rock) Henry's Rock (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark) Reservoir Dogs Heist (Reservoir Dogs) Scarface Mansion (Scarface) White House Heist (Various)

These heists not only reflect specific movies but also draw inspiration from various iconic scenes and locations, creating a rich tapestry of pop culture references.

Copyright Issues and Immersion

Even though video games can incorporate a vast array of pop culture references, there are two primary reasons why such references are not as frequent:

Copyright Concerns

Directly referencing copyrighted work can lead to legal complications. Developers must obtain licenses to use characters, music, and scenes from movies, which often requires paying royalties. Additionally, video game companies often collaborate with movie studios to promote their games to a broader audience, such as the Payday 2 devs who worked with Al Pacino and Alesso.

Breaking Immersion

In games set in alternate realities or non-contemporary time periods, pop culture references can disrupt the immersive experience. Players often prefer a more authentic and consistent setting, which can be compromised by references that seem out of place.

Conclusion

The belief that video games never directly reference pop culture is a myth. While copyright concerns and the maintenance of immersion explain the infrequent nature of these references, many games do incorporate numerous pop culture elements. Whether it's through character design, heists, or music, video games often weave a rich tapestry of cultural references, making them a dynamic and engaging medium for players.