9 Video Games That Use Asimov’s Three Laws Of Robotics

Isaac Asimov, a pioneer in science fiction, crafted stories that forever changed the genre. Among his most enduring contributions are The Three Laws of Robotics, which established a foundation for how robots and artificial intelligence might coexist with humanity in his worlds. These laws are:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

These principles have resonated far beyond the covers of Asimov’s books, shaping portrayals of robots and artificial intelligence across literature, film, and video games.

Beware, story spoilers ahead.

1 Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair

Ignorance Of The Three Laws Leads To Disrespecting A Robot

In Danganronpa 2, a class from Hope’s Peak Academy finds themselves trapped on a tropical island with a grim escape condition: to leave, they must commit the perfect murder. When a body is discovered, the class conducts a trial to uncover the culprit. If they succeed, the murderer is executed, and the survivors continue. If they fail, the murderer escapes, and the remaining students are killed.

The chapter that references The Three Laws is titled “Do Ultimate Robots Dream of Clockwork?” This is a reference to Philip K. Dick’s book, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” Like Asimov’s Three Laws, this book investigates the relationship between androids and humans and how they could coexist in society.

The rules are strict: only students can kill one another. When Monokuma accidentally kills Nekomaru Nidai, he compensates by reconstructing him as a robot. However, Nekomaru’s new form creates tension among his classmates, who struggle to accept his transformation and make insensitive remarks. Sonya, the Ultimate Princess, steps in, urging everyone to follow the principles of the Three Laws of Robotics to treat Nekomaru with the respect he deserves.

2 Deus Ex: Human Revolution

You Are Mocked For Not Taking A Man’s Life

In Deus Ex: Human Revolution, you step into the role of Adam Jensen, a security officer for Sarif Industries who becomes cybernetically augmented after surviving a near-fatal attack. Tasked with investigating the assault, Jensen navigates a morally complex world filled with conspiracy, betrayal, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding human augmentation.

At one point in the game, Jensen encounters a severely injured man. You are presented with the choice to spare his life or let him die. If Jensen opts to spare him, the man quips sarcastically, “What’s the matter? Were you programmed to follow Asimov’s First Law or something?”

3 Borderlands 2

Deathtrap And Enemy Robots Can Disable The First Law

Borderlands 2 thrives on its chaotic blend of sci-fi and Wild West aesthetics. The planet Pandora, rife with treasure hunters, bandits, and deadly technology, offers a playground where even the ethical frameworks of robotics are bent or outright ignored.

Gaige, a mechromancer, actively disregards Asimov’s first Law when she summons Deathtrap, yelling, “To hell with the first law!” In the same vein, enemy robots often proclaim, “First Law disabled,” before unleashing their violent attacks. These voice lines imply that the Three Laws of Robotics exist in Pandora’s universe but are often overridden or deliberately ignored.

4 Portal 2

All Lethal Military Androids Are Expected To Follow The Laws Of Robotics

After waking up from stasis, Chell finds herself trapped in the Aperture Science Enrichment Center, where she must navigate a series of dangerous test chambers to restore power to the escape pods and make her way to freedom. Guiding, or rather, taunting, her over the facility’s speakers is an impersonal announcer who provides unsettling commentary laced with dark humor.

Early in the game, the announcer notes that all lethal military androids in the facility have been taught to read and given a copy of the Laws of Robotics. You are encouraged to report any violations of these laws should the androids fail to adhere to them.

Portal 2 varies from the usual use of the Three Laws. The emphasis is not on the laws being hardcoded into the AI’s programming, as is typically the case, but rather on the androids choosing to follow the rules after being educated about them.

5 AI: The Somnium Files

AI Robots Obey The Three Laws

In AI: The Somnium Files, you play as Detective Kaname Date, investigating the New Cyclops Serial Killings. His partner in crime-solving is Aiba, a cybernetic implant called an AI-Ball. Aiba boasts an impressive array of functions, such as enhanced vision, hacking capabilities, information storage, and more. Together, they navigate the physical world and explore the dreams of suspects in a surreal space known as Somnium to gather crucial evidence.

Aiba later reveals that she has a self-destruct mechanism but cannot activate it independently. She explains that she obeys Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics. This means she is programmed to protect her own existence unless doing so would conflict with orders from an authority figure like Date. It is uncertain if all AI-Balls are programmed to follow the Three Laws or if this is exclusive to Aiba.

6 Mega Man 7

Mega Man’s Universe Explores The Impact Of The Three Laws

The Mega Man series weaves Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics into its narrative and world-building, presenting a society where humans and robots coexist. But when society is threatened, it’s up to Mega Man to save the day!

In Mega Man 7, the titular hero faces off against Dr. Wily, who once again uses his robotics to wreak havoc. But when Mega Man corners Dr. Wily, ready to deliver justice, he invokes Asimov’s First Law of Robotics, a robot may not harm a human being, to protect himself.

The resolution of this moment differs between the Japanese and English versions of the game. In the English localization, Mega Man defiantly declares, “I am more than a robot,” before attempting to kill Dr. Wily. In the original Japanese version, Mega Man lowers his weapon when reminded of the First Law, choosing to spare Dr. Wily despite his crimes.

7 Space Station 13

The Game’s AI Follows The Three Laws Of Robotics

Space Station 13 is a top-down strategy game set aboard a space station. Similar to Among Us, at the beginning of the game, each player is given a job on the station, ranging from engineers and scientists to medical doctors and security officers. Each role is crucial in maintaining the space station. Players can choose to keep the station running, or they can cause chaos.

The game offers extensive customization for each session, allowing you to select difficulty levels, win conditions, game modes, and even the AI system. The default AI lawset is known as Asimov, named after Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics. This mode governs the AI’s behavior, outlining who can be harmed, the hierarchy of authority, and its own self-preservation protocols. The Asimov setting reflects the Three Laws by prioritizing human safety above all else, but you can challenge or modify these laws to introduce new dynamics to your gameplay.

8 OneShot

The Robot Civilization Follows Asimov’s Three Laws Of Robotics

OneShot is a unique, fourth-wall-breaking puzzle game where you guide Niko, a child transported to a strange and dying world, on a mission to restore its extinguished sun. In this journey, you assume the role of a god-like entity, communicating directly with Niko to solve puzzles, navigate challenges, and uncover the story behind the world’s collapse.

As you traverse the game’s desolate landscapes, such as the Barrens and the City, you’ll encounter multiple nods to Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics. One of the earliest and most direct references appears in a factory within the Barrens, where a poster prominently lists the laws for robots to follow. These laws govern the behavior of the world’s mechanical inhabitants, emphasizing their role in preserving life and maintaining harmony.

9 Robot City

Robot City Is Based On Asimov’s Book Series That Fleshed Out The Three Laws

• Released: December 31, 1995
• Platforms: Windows, Mac OS
• Genre: Graphic Adventure

Inspired by Isaac Asimov’s Robot City series, the game places players in the role of Derec, an amnesiac who crash-lands on a planet governed entirely by advanced robots. Rescued by the robotic inhabitants, Derec finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery involving the death of Dr. Poole, a roboticist visiting the city.

The robots, bound by Asimov’s First Law, are incapable of committing the crime. As a result, the investigation logically concludes that the culprit must be another human. However, with Derec being only one of two humans in the city, he becomes the prime suspect. To clear his name and uncover the truth, Derec must navigate Robot City’s logic, laws, and robotic population while piecing together his fragmented memories.