10 Unbelievable Inspirations Behind Your Favourite Video Games

Beginning in 1998, Metal Gear Solid has always worn its influence on its sleeve, paying homage to everything from James Bond to Planet of the Apes. Surprisingly, the biggest influence behind The Phantom Pain was actually George Orwell’s 1984, a novel about an authoritarian government under which individual expression is considerably restricted.

Most obviously, the game is set in 1984 – however, the parallels don’t stop there. In fact, multiple posters can be found throughout the game featuring the following caption: “Big Boss is watching”, an intentional wink to the slogan co-opted by the totalitarian regime featured prominently throughout the novel, known only as Big Brother.

Revolver Ocelot also makes multiple references to the classic work – including the concept of “Double Think” – and the interrogation room aboard Mother Base is even called “Room 101”, another reference.