Sword Art Online: A New Contender for Ghost in the Shell's Crown?

Upon initial observation, it may seem that Sword Art Online and Ghost in the Shell share little in common, from their narrative emphasis to their respective genres and target audience. However, a closer examination reveals that they do share a common thread: a fascination with the internet and the potential for interconnectedness between the virtual and physical worlds.

SAO's initial season made its debut in 2012, captivating audiences with its straightforward yet captivating concept: a multitude of gamers are trapped inside Sword Art Online, a virtual reality MMORPG, and if they perish in the game, they also perish in reality. However, after the show's first 14 episodes, many viewers were left questioning the purpose of the story following everyone's escape from the game.

Must The Show Go On?

Many viewers lost interest during the Fairy Dance Arc, but for those who persevered, Sword Art Online shifted focus to new VR MMOs and fresh sources of tension. The game of death was left behind, and the resulting Alicization Arc became one of the biggest storylines since Aincrad.

The continued existence of the series may seem like a ploy to cash in on nostalgia and the audience's attachment to the characters, but there is a deeper thematic reason behind it. Sword Art Online may have been the most cherished game among disillusioned fans, but it was never the true focus of the series. Rather, it served as the catalyst for a much larger narrative that is central to every subsequent season and film after Season 1.

The World Seed

During the climax of the Fairy Dance Arc, Kirito faces off against Sugou Nobuyuki in order to rescue Asuna. It is at this moment that a simulated memory of Kayaba Akihiko, the creator of Sword Art Online, appears before him. Kayaba gifts Kirito with the World Seed, which essentially provides the necessary tools to develop a game similar to SAO, but without the life-or-death stakes.

Kirito chooses to share this technology with the world by releasing it as open-source software. This allows programmers from across the globe to create their own virtual worlds using the World Seed. As a result, nearly every VR MMO introduced in subsequent seasons of Sword Art Online is a direct outcome of the Seed. Furthermore, players are able to seamlessly transport their data between these various worlds.

As I sat in the theater watching Sword Art Online: Ordinal Scale in 2017, I couldn't help but notice the striking similarities between the characters' discussions about VR technology and the way Ghost in the Shell tackles the topic of the internet. It became clear that both shows explore the potential of technological advancements, and while they may seem daunting at first, they can ultimately provide incredible opportunities to improve our lives.

"The Net Is Vast And Infinite"

In Ghost in the Shell, Mamoru Oshii delves into the complex relationship between humanity and technology in a future where the two have merged. Despite this fusion, the characters still grapple with defining what it means to be human. This struggle is challenged by the emergence of the film's antagonist, The Puppet Master, who is introduced as a super hacker but is ultimately revealed to be an AI named Project 2501. In a pivotal moment, the Major is presented with the opportunity to transcend her humanity and become something more.

Without giving away the ending, the Major gazes upon the city and declares, "The net is vast and infinite," a phrase that serves as a recurring theme throughout the series. As a franchise that explores detectives, cyber-terrorism, politics, and war, it delves deep into the philosophical aspects of human evolution and how the internet will shape our future.

The Virtual Future

In Ghost in the Shell, the concept of humanity merging with technology to reach new heights is explored, while Sword Art Online presents a future where individuals can create and escape into their own virtual worlds. Both franchises feature characters immersing themselves in virtual reality through headsets or direct physical connections, and depict virtual social spaces in a similar way.

While some may argue that SAO doesn't delve into philosophical themes as effectively as GITS has done since the 90s, it's important to note that both series offer unique perspectives and can be appreciated for their own merits. Rather than comparing and criticizing, we should embrace the opportunity to introduce more people to the depth and complexity of both stories.

Ghost in the Shell offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity, with its thought-provoking themes and stunning visuals. For those intrigued by SAO's take on virtual reality and the implications of an increasingly digital world, this series delivers an equally captivating and relevant experience.