The Phantom Pain of War Economies: The Analysis of War Profiteering in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain

Ananda Fathurahman Bintang  Pradana

doi:10.59890/14bwqp24

Authors

Ananda Fathurahman Bintang Pradana University of 17 Agustus 1945 Banyuwangi Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.59890/14bwqp24

Keywords:

Metal Gear Solid, War-Profiteering, Video Game, Military Industrial Complexity, Exploitation

Abstract

This particular research explores the theme of war profiteering in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain or MGS5, a tactical espionage operations game developed by Kojima Productions. With the game's setting entrenched in the broader concept of the "war economy," players experience firsthand how conflict is commodified and prolonged for financial gain. Through its narrative, characters, and game mechanics, MGS5 demonstrates how private military companies (PMCs) exploit instability to increase profits, directly linking the gameplay experience to real-world dynamics of war economies. By examining the narrative structure, mission system, and resource management mechanics, this paper discusses how MGS5 critiques the endless cycle of warfare and reflects the impact of military-industrial complexes on global politics

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