Elon Musk considers Deus Ex to be “one of the best games ever”. However, his views showcase a surprising lack of self-awareness. Musk envisions himself as a hero challenging the status quo, despite being the wealthiest individual globally and owning the platform formerly known as Twitter.

When Musk criticizes ’the establishment’, it often relates to defending his wealth, promoting conspiracy theories, or opposing measures that protect the vulnerable. He has made tweets that draw parallels between COVID-19 responses and the plot of Deus Ex, where a man-made pandemic is exploited by the world’s richest man for political gain.

Austin Grossman, co-writer of Deus Ex, is critical of Musk’s interpretation of the game. He states that the narratives of Deus Ex analyze power dynamics and the means used to manipulate people. Grossman adds that Deus Ex and its themes resonate disturbingly well with Musk’s perspective.

Quote from Grossman: “…that may be its longest, worst legacy. It’s oddly alarming how Musk sees himself as opposing the villains in Deus Ex, while in reality, he embodies a flawed, narcissistic counterpart of its wealthy antagonists.”

In summary, Musk’s perception of himself in the game is puzzling, given he does not occupy the role of the protagonist, JC Denton, but rather echoes the traits of an antagonist.