Analyzing the Anti-Capitalist Critique in Zenless Zone Zero's "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night"
Introduction: A Dystopian Poem Reimagined
Zenless Zone Zero's Version 2.2 update, titled "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night," immediately establishes its thematic concerns through its deliberate evocation of Dylan Thomas's iconic 1951 poem. The poem, written by Thomas as his father lay dying, constitutes a passionate rejection of passive acceptance in the face of inevitable death—a theme that HoYoverse's developers cleverly repurpose to critique the insidious nature of late-stage capitalism and the systemic exploitation it engenders. Through the ongoing conflict between the Obol Squad and the Exaltists, the update constructs a sophisticated narrative that examines how capitalist ideologies perpetuate structural inequality and environmental degradation while demanding unquestioning compliance from those it oppresses. This essay will analyze how Version 2.2 utilizes its characters, narrative arcs, and game mechanics to articulate a compelling critique of capitalism, arguing that the update ultimately advocates for collective resistance against economic systems that prioritize profit over human dignity and ecological sustainability.
The title itself functions as more than merely a poetic reference; it serves as a thematic framework for the update's central conflicts. Where Thomas's villanelle urges resistance against the dying of the light—a metaphor for life's departure—the game repurposes this imperative to confront the metaphorical "good night" of capitalist hegemony. The Exaltists, with their ruthless pursuit of profit regardless of human or environmental cost, represent the passive acceptance of this system, while the Obol Squad embodies the poem's exhortation to "rage against the dying of the light" through their continued resistance . This narrative choice establishes from the outset that Version 2.2 is concerned with questioning and challenging entrenched power structures, particularly those that mask exploitation under the guise of progress and technological advancement.
1 Historical and Literary Context: The Poem's Relevance
Dylan Thomas's "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night" was written during a period of significant ideological tension between capitalist and collectivist models of society. The poem's publication in 1951 placed it squarely within the early Cold War era, a time when capitalist expansion was increasingly framed as synonymous with freedom and progress. Thomas's work, however, subtly critiqued this narrative by emphasizing the importance of resisting predetermined endings—whether the cessation of life or the unquestioning acceptance of dominant ideologies. By drawing on this historically situated text, Zenless Zone Zero creates a intertextual dialogue between mid-20th century concerns about ideological compliance and contemporary anxieties about neoliberal capitalism's excesses.
The game's narrative repurposes Thomas's emphasis on resistance to explore how capitalist systems create conditions of alienation and dispossession. New Eridu, with its stark contrasts between technological marvels and social inequality, exemplifies what Marxist geographer David Harvey terms "spatial fixes"—capitalism's continual need to expand into new territories (represented by the Hollows) to sustain profit margins . The Exaltists' relentless exploitation of the Hollows mirrors real-world corporate practices that treat natural environments and human communities as disposable resources for capital accumulation. In this context, the poem's imperative to "not go gentle" becomes a call to resist the commodification of human life and the natural world, positioning the Obol Squad's actions as a form of economic resistance against systems that would otherwise proceed unchecked.
2 Factional Conflict as Class Struggle: Obol Squad vs. Exaltists
The Exaltists: Capitalist Extremism
· Profit-Driven Exploitation: The Exaltists function as narrative embodiments of unrestrained capitalism, pursuing profit through the exploitation of both the Hollows and vulnerable populations. Their operational methodology mirrors what political economist Naomi Klein identifies as "disaster capitalism"—the practice of leveraging crises to consolidate wealth and power . By deliberately creating instability in the Hollows, the Exaltists manufacture conditions that enable them to rewrite rules and regulations in their favor, effectively privatizing disaster response for profit. This narrative arc offers a pointed critique of real-world corporations that similarly capitalize on crises to advance neoliberal agendas, often at the expense of democratic processes and social welfare.
· Ideological Justification: The Exaltists couch their exploitation in the language of technological progress and human advancement, rhetoric that closely parallels the discourse of Silicon Valley's tech capitalism. They position themselves as visionaries pushing the boundaries of human capability, yet their actions consistently prioritize profit over people. This dichotomy between stated ideals and material practices highlights what philosopher Slavoj Žižek terms "ideological fantasy"—the way ideologies often mask their own contradictions through appealing narratives . The Exaltists' portrayal criticizes how contemporary capitalism frequently disguises exploitation as innovation, using the language of revolution and progress to justify increasingly extractive economic practices.
Obol Squad: Collective Resistance
· Ethical Alternatives: In contrast to the Exaltists' individualism, the Obol Squad operates on principles of mutual aid and collective action. Their approach to Hollow exploration emphasizes responsibility and sustainability, positioning them as narrative embodiments of what economist Thomas Piketty calls "participatory socialism"—an economic system that would democratize wealth and knowledge . The Squad's diverse composition—including characters like Seed with her mechanical expertise and Orphie & Magus with their combined capabilities—models a different form of organization based on complementary strengths rather than hierarchical domination. This narrative choice suggests that alternatives to capitalist exploitation are possible through cooperation and shared purpose.
· Practical Solidarity: The Obol Squad's operational methods directly counter the Exaltists' extractive practices. Where the Exaltists seek to privatize gains from the Hollows, the Obol Squad works to democratize access and ensure that the benefits of Hollow exploration are more widely distributed. This practical solidarity is exemplified in their rescue operations and their commitment to helping New Eridu's citizens, which stands in stark contrast to the Exaltists' disregard for collateral damage . Through this juxtaposition, the game suggests that meaningful resistance to capitalism must involve both opposition to exploitative systems and the construction of alternative models based on equity and justice.