Eleven years from now, when biotechnology has advanced to such an extent that human-cyborg hybrids have become the norm, humanity will be faced with the Mechanical Apartheid. At least, that’s the dark and warped future teased by today’s live-action trailer for Deus Ex: Mankind Divided.
Arriving by way of Square Enix and developer Eidos Montreal, the sizzle reel opens in the style of a near-future commercial, spotlighting how mechanically-augmented people have improved their quality of life through artificial prosthetics and the like.
But Mankind Divided takes place in the fallout of the Human Restoration Act, a piece of legislation drawn up as a hasty response to the increased hatred, prejudice and fear breeding between the “naturals” and the “augs.”
Here’s an overview of Eidos’ rich overview, which ought to pique the curiosity of any sci-fi fan eager to dive into a world riddled with bleeding-edge technology and existential themes.
In 2027, mechanically-augmented people all over the world suffered from extreme psychotic delusions, lost control of themselves, and started attacking people. Millions died. Hundreds of thousands more were injured and maimed.
In the wake of this global catastrophe, society has become divided by hatred, prejudice, and fear, with many countries now enacting harsh laws. The most notable of these laws is the highly controversial “Human Restoration Act”, aimed at isolating “Augs” and keeping them away from “Naturals”.
Deus Ex: Mankind Divided will introduce players to a dark and twisted future when Eidos’ sequel debuts on August 24. As such, expect more information to be shared throughout the course of E3 next month.
