Unleashing the Unfathomable: Delving into Necroevolution
Discover the fascinating concept of Necroevolution in Stanisław Lem's novel, as Starward Industries CEO, Marek Markuszewski, discusses its significance and the highly anticipated upcoming adaptation Dive into a world where life takes on a whole new meaning
Article Key Points
Starward Industries' inaugural game, a rendition of Stanisław Lem's science fiction masterpiece The Invincible, aspires to delve into profound philosophical inquiries, following in the footsteps of the contemplative genre of atompunk sci-fi.
Necroevolution, the evolution of inanimate objects, will have a significant impact on the game, triggering ethical and philosophical discussions on the limits of life and the ethical treatment of machines.
The concept of necroevolution is particularly relevant in today's context with regards to artificial intelligence and technology, prompting inquiries about humanity's obligations and security when confronted with advancing technology.
Starward Industries will be launching its first title, "The Invincible," on November 6. This highly anticipated adaptation of Stanisław Lem's 1964 science-fiction novel has been a major draw for the studio's developers, who have openly expressed their admiration for Lem's work. The game promises to delve into profound philosophical questions, following in the footsteps of grounded, atompunk sci-fi. During our interview with Starward's CEO Marek Markuszewski, we explored Lem's legacy and the impact of his concepts on their atompunk adaptation. One particularly intriguing concept is necroevolution, which plays a significant role in both the novel and the game.
Life, But Not as We Know It
Lem's writing, like that of many influential science fiction writers, introduced concepts that continue to contribute to scientific and philosophical discourse. However, Markuszewski was understandably cautious when it came to exploring necroevolution in great depth before the game's release.
"It plays a crucial role in the game's plot. To preserve the players' experience, we cannot divulge extensive details. Nevertheless, I can disclose that it sparks meaningful and thought-provoking discussions that captivate the player."
Necroevolution is a concept commonly associated with sci-fi themes like 'smart dust' and 'grey goo'. This thought-provoking phrase raises the question: 'If something can evolve, does that mean it is alive?' This idea propels Rohan's journey in the novel and will also play a role in Yasna's journey in The Invincible's adaptation. Like many intriguing sci-fi speculations, this question leads to other ethical and philosophical inquiries, such as whether machines deserve the same ethical consideration as biological life, or where the line should be drawn if machines are indeed alive.
The game's tagline, "Not everything everywhere is for us," serves as a warning not only about encountering extraterrestrial monsters but also about the danger of humanity behaving monstrously towards forms of life it does not fully comprehend. This trope is explored in various science fiction stories, including Ender's Game and Star Wars. However, Lem was one of the early authors to mention self-modifying and reproducing microscopic machines long before the term nanotechnology became a well-known sci-fi concept.
The Topical Appeal of Necroevolution
Necroevolution is a valuable and remarkably adaptable concept that can address present-day predicaments. It can be viewed as an anti-colonial thought experiment in which gamers are prompted to contemplate, "To what extent must something resemble us in order to be treated respectfully?" If Starward's adaptation truly captures Lem's original intention, such thought-provoking questions will be foundational to the experience of playing The Invincible.
Moreover, the concept of Necroevolution can be extended to encompass abstract and technological scenarios as well. For instance, it can be applied to both AI and machinery. If the criterion for necroevolution is the capacity to evolve without biological life, genuine science fiction AI certainly meets the qualifications. Necroevolution prompts considerations about humanity's responsibility in relation to our technology, such as, "Are we accountable for the well-being of something we create that can necroevolve?" and "At what stage should we prioritize our safety over allowing something to continue its necroevolution?" These concerns are undeniably relevant. The apprehension surrounding AI has persevered over time, and in some manner, this technology is currently undergoing fast-paced evolution.
The Invincible explores fascinating themes that have the potential to create an exceptional gaming experience. It is inspiring to see Starward's unwavering dedication to Lem's vision and their deep understanding of other narrative-driven exploration games. In addition to Lem, Starward acknowledges Road 96, Firewatch, and Alien: Isolation as significant inspirations for the project.
The Invincible
The Invincible is an immersive adventure game based on the captivating sci-fi literature of Stanislaw Lem. Players will take on the role of Yasna as they delve into the mysterious world of Regis III, utilizing a variety of tools to locate their vanished crew members while bravely confronting unexpected dangers.
Platforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
Release Date: November 6, 2023
Developer: Starward Industries
Publisher: 11 Bit Studios
Editor's P/S
Necroevolution, the evolution of inanimate objects, is a fascinating concept that Stanisław Lem introduced in his science fiction novel, The Invincible. Starward Industries' upcoming adaptation of the novel, titled "The Invincible," delves into the profound philosophical implications of necroevolution, sparking ethical and philosophical discussions on the limits of life and the ethical treatment of machines.
The concept of necroevolution is particularly relevant in today's context, where advancements in artificial intelligence and technology raise important questions about humanity's obligations and security. The game's tagline, "Not everything everywhere is for us," serves as a warning about the dangers of humanity behaving monstrously towards forms of life it does not fully comprehend. This trope has been explored in various science fiction stories, but Lem was one of the early authors to mention self-modifying and reproducing microscopic machines, long before the term nanotechnology became a well-known sci-fi concept.
