The Ecstasy of Ruin: Sartre, Euphoria and the Pleasure of Undoing

This chapter explores the existential themes and cycles of ruin and renewal as portrayed in the video game Disco Elysium. Utilizing Jean-Paul Sartre’s philosophy, it delves into how the game interweaves the concepts of euphoria, bad faith and existential despair within its narrative and gameplay. Euphoria is critically examined as both a transient high and a profound low, manifesting through substance use, romantic infatuation and political elation. These elements are intricately linked to the Sartrean notion of bad faith, where characters engage in self-deception to escape existential truths. Furthermore, the chapter explores how Disco Elysium leverages interactive storytelling to allow players to make choices that reflect on human agency and philosophical inquiry, positioning the game as a significant medium for exploring the human condition. This chapter not only argues that Disco Elysium challenges players to confront philosophical questions but also highlights the game’s capacity as a tool for serious existential discourse.