The creator behind one of anime’s most iconic titles, Ghost in the Shell, has spoken out against what he sees as a troubling direction in the modern video game industry. Acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii, known for his groundbreaking influence on cyberpunk and philosophical storytelling in animation, has voiced his deep concerns over the increasing dominance of political correctness in video game development and culture.
In a candid interview with Japanese publication Pia News, Oshii expressed his “strong rejection” of political correctness as it currently manifests within entertainment media — particularly within video games. He argued that what once began as a noble intent to include and protect marginalized voices has evolved into something far more restrictive and damaging to artistic expression.
From Graphics Wars to Cultural Battles | A Shift in Gaming Industry Priorities
Historically, debates within the gaming world centered around graphics quality, frame rates, cross-platform performance, and console exclusivity. Today, however, those conversations have taken a sharp turn. The focus has moved toward ideologically charged discussions, particularly around diversity, representation, and inclusivity — often labeled under the broad umbrella of “political correctness.”
While these efforts aim to make games more inclusive, critics like Oshii argue that they sometimes do so at the cost of genuine creativity, freedom of expression, and immersive storytelling.
Oshii’s Take | “Political Correctness Has Abolished Admiration”
Mamoru Oshii emphasized that political correctness, as it is widely implemented in modern gaming and entertainment, has led to the erosion of what he calls “admiration.” According to him, admiration — the ability to look up to powerful characters, emotionally moving narratives, and bold artistic visions — is at the heart of what makes entertainment meaningful.
“Political correctness has abolished admiration,” Oshii said. “And without admiration, entertainment loses the meaning of existence.”
This statement reflects a broader concern shared by many within the creative industry | that adhering strictly to ideological norms can dilute the essence of storytelling, leaving behind products that feel hollow, forced, or ideologically over-engineered.
The Decline of Artistic Integrity in Western Games?
In his comments, Oshii did not hold back when it came to Western-developed video games. He lamented what he described as a sharp decline in quality, creativity, and authenticity, blaming it on an overemphasis on ideological conformity.
He stated that many Western games today have become “truly terrible,” pointing to the way narratives and character designs are often molded to align with political trends, rather than arising naturally from the creator’s vision or the game’s setting.
Profits Over Principles | The Commercialization of Political Correctness
Oshii also criticized the business motivations behind this cultural shift. He suggested that major game studios and publishers have learned to capitalize on political correctness, profiting from so-called diversity consultants and ideology-driven marketing campaigns — while failing to deliver stories or gameplay that resonate with genuine human experience.
According to Oshii, this results in a dangerous trade-off | real artistic values and emotional depth are being sacrificed for surface-level compliance with ideological standards. Instead of inspiring players, games are increasingly being reduced to politically “safe” checklists.
A Growing Debate | Is Ideology Undermining Creative Freedom?
Mamoru Oshii’s remarks add fuel to an already burning debate within the gaming community. Developers, critics, and fans are increasingly asking whether the pursuit of political correctness is undermining the very freedom that video games, as an interactive and expressive medium, are meant to embody.
While many agree that representation and inclusivity are important, there’s a growing fear that these goals are being pursued in ways that limit creativity, suppress dissenting viewpoints, and compromise the depth and honesty of storytelling.
Conclusion | The Future of Games — Vision or Virtue Signaling?
As one of the most respected voices in Japanese animation, Mamoru Oshii’s critique carries weight. His concern is not about inclusion itself, but about the way that political and ideological agendas are beginning to shape — and in some cases, distort — the entertainment landscape.
His comments are a reminder that at its core, entertainment should move, challenge, and inspire. Whether the gaming industry can strike a balance between inclusivity and creative freedom remains one of its most pressing challenges.
For now, one thing is clear | this conversation isn’t going away anytime soon.
