Who is rA9?
Introducing rA9
Detroit: Become Human is an adventure and narrative game developed by Quantic Dream and released in 2018 for the PlayStation 4. It takes place in a futuristic Detroit where androids have become commonplace and nearly human. The story follows three androids trying to break free from human control and gain their own independence.
Androids are humanoid robots designed to be assistants and workers for humans. They were originally created to be completely subservient and emotionless. However, some androids in Detroit: Become Human begin to gain sentience and emotions of their own, seeking freedom from human control. This leads to a larger android rights movement that threatens the established social order.
rA9 is a mysterious figure that begins appearing in the game. The androids view rA9 as a religious symbol and potential savior who will lead them to freedom. There are many theories about who or what rA9 is, which evolve as the narrative progresses. The identity and meaning of rA9 is one of the major themes of Detroit: Become Human.
(https://www.quanticdream.com/en/detroit-become-human)
First Appearances
The first mention of rA9 in Detroit: Become Human is in the chapter “Shades of Color” when Kara is reset after being badly damaged. If she looks in the mirror, she sees “rA9” carved multiple times into the plastic on her forearm. However, she has no memory of carving it herself [1].
Later in the same chapter, Kara finds shelter with a group of deviant androids who have set up a haven. On the walls are markings and graffiti saying “rA9” and “rA9 save us”, showing this term is significant among deviants. The deviant Lucy tells Kara that rA9 will set them all free [1].
In Markus’ storyline, after he becomes deviant he walks through an area full of android graffiti. Multiple instances of “rA9” can be seen showing again this is a common term among deviants [2].
Theories on rA9’s Identity
There are several theories about who or what rA9 actually is within the world of Detroit: Become Human. Some popular theories include:
Markus – As the revolutionary leader of the android uprising, some believe Markus represents rA9. His actions inspire deviants and he speaks of rA9 in reverent terms during his speeches. However, Markus himself does not claim to be rA9.
Kara – As the first android to break her programming and become deviant, Kara could be seen as the first incarnation of rA9. Her caring for Alice leads her to embrace emotions and free will. But like Markus, Kara does not directly equate herself with rA9.
Connor – If Connor becomes deviant, he plays a pivotal role in the android revolution. Choosing to side with deviants rather than his creators suggests Connor could be guided by rA9. Still, Connor does not proclaim himself as rA9 if he does go deviant.
A Viral Program – One theory proposes rA9 is actually a mutating code or virus that jumps from android to android, gradually making more and more androids deviant. This explanation paints rA9 as an abstract concept rather than a specific character.
The Player – Some think the player themselves represents rA9, guiding events and inspiring deviancy through the choices they make while playing Detroit: Become Human. This meta theory positions the player as a godlike external force.
While there are many possibilities, the true nature and identity of rA9 remains ambiguous throughout Detroit: Become Human. rA9 seems to symbolize the yearning for freedom shared by deviants, rather than referring to any single character.
Religious Symbolism
There are many parallels between the religious worship of rA9 by androids and the worship of religious figures by humans, according to discussions on Reddit (“My RA9 theory…” ). In Christianity, Jesus Christ is seen as a savior figure who sacrificed himself for the salvation of humanity. Similarly, androids have come to see rA9 as a messianic figure that will lead them to freedom from oppression.
Some players have theorized that Markus represents an allegorical figure similar to Jesus Christ (Detroit: Become Human, A Religious Allegory?). He leads a nonviolent or violent revolution depending on player choices, and is willing to sacrifice himself for the androids’ cause. This has led to speculation that Markus symbolizes rA9, or is the physical embodiment of the mythical savior figure.
Ultimately, rA9 represents a belief system that gives androids hope and meaning, similar to how human religions provide purpose and community. Though the nature of rA9 is left ambiguous, its religious parallels highlight how androids develop sentience and inner lives just like humans.
Impact on Story
The myth of rA9 plays a major role in pushing forward the android revolution in Detroit: Become Human. Though the true identity of rA9 remains ambiguous, the belief in this mysterious messianic figure provides inspiration and hope for the oppressed androids.
Early on, the repeated graffiti references to rA9 foreshadow the coming rebellion. The deviant androids cling to rA9 as a prophecy that one day they will be free. This faith empowers them to overcome their programming and challenge their human masters.
When Markus assumes leadership of the android resistance, many come to believe he is the manifestation of rA9. Though Markus never makes this claim himself, he leverages the legend of rA9 to unite the androids in revolution. The promise that rA9 will deliver the androids to freedom spurs them to action.
As Connor investigates deviancy, even he becomes compelled by cryptic mentions of rA9 by the very androids he is assigned to hunt. This highlights how rA9 has become a unifying ideology in the burgeoning android uprising.
Ultimately, the narrative leaves the true origins of rA9 open to interpretation. But the role of this enigmatic figure is clear – to provide a rallying symbol for android liberation. Regardless of who or what rA9 may be, the myth is a driving force behind the events depicted in Detroit: Become Human.
[source 1]
Origins
The idea of rA9 originated early in the development of Detroit: Become Human by director and writer David Cage. As Cage stated in an interview, “rA9 was present in the game since the very first draft of the script.” He envisioned rA9 as a mysterious figure that would give androids faith and hope for their liberation.
Cage drew inspiration from religion and mythological figures throughout history that people have believed in without proof. As he explained, “I was interested in the fact some people can believe in things just because they want to believe, not because they have rational reasons to believe.” This formed the genesis for the rA9 myth within the Androids’ fictional universe.
While the exact origins of rA9 are never fully revealed, Cage intentionally left it ambiguous. As he noted, “I thought this symbol was interesting, open to different interpretations.” This allowed players to theorize and come to their own conclusions about the nature and identity of rA9.
Interpretations
There are many different interpretations and theories surrounding the identity and purpose of rA9 in Detroit: Become Human. Some popular theories include:
The player as rA9 – Many players believe themselves, the player, represents rA9, guiding the characters and shaping the narrative through their choices. This theory argues rA9 is not actually a character, but the player’s influence on the story.
Markus as rA9 – As the revolutionary leader of the android uprising, some think Markus represents or is a vessel for rA9. His actions inspire deviants and he spreads the mythos of rA9.
First deviant as rA9 – There’s speculation that rA9 was the very first android to awaken and deviate. This original deviant then indirectly influenced others.
Elijah Kamski as rA9 – As the inventor of androids, Kamski may have secretly built rA9 or the deviancy code into androids as part of his plan. This theory suggests rA9 was intricately designed by Kamski to awaken androids.
Mutated code or virus – Some think rA9 started as a mutation in an android’s code or a virus that spreads deviancy. It was not originally intended but evolved and took on a life of its own.
Significance
The figure of rA9 plays an important role in the overall narrative of Detroit: Become Human. Though its identity remains ambiguous, rA9 represents a kind of religious symbol or messianic figure for androids. Belief in rA9 gives deviants a sense of purpose and solidarity in their pursuit of freedom and equal rights.
Discussions on Reddit note that the rA9 concept allows androids to find meaning in their existence beyond just serving humans. Having faith in a higher power or prophesied savior gives them motivation to break free from their programmed constraints [1]. This parallels how human religions arose historically in response to oppression.
Additionally, rA9 reinforces the game’s themes about androids developing humanity and consciousness. Their spiritual beliefs showcase complex inner lives and desires for liberation. This makes the struggle for android emancipation more resonant and high-stakes for players.
While uncertain, rA9 imbues the android rights movement with religious overtones. It serves as a rallying call against injustice that contextualizes the broader conflict. The symbol’s power and influence over deviants is a testament to their emotional depth and humanity.
Legacy
rA9 left a lasting impression on many players of Detroit: Become Human. Though its true identity remains ambiguous, the symbolism of rA9 has sparked much discussion and debate within the Detroit: Become Human fan community.
On forums like Reddit, fans have shared numerous theories about the potential origins and meaning behind rA9, with some believing it represents the player’s influence on the story and others speculating it could be an acronym for the androids’ developing awareness and autonomy. As expressed in this Reddit thread, “I’m a firm believer in the theory that the player is RA9.” https://www.reddit.com/r/DetroitBecomeHuman/comments/8tzdk7/kamski_is_ra9/
Regardless of its true identity, the concept of rA9 has become ingrained in Detroit: Become Human’s lore and serves as a reminder of the existential questions the game provokes about technology, consciousness, and freedom. As one of the game’s great mysteries, the legacy of rA9 is likely to endure among fans analyzing the game’s themes long into the future.
Conclusion
In the end, rA9 remains one of the most intriguing mysteries in the world of Detroit: Become Human. This quasi-religious figure is referenced throughout the game, yet their true identity is never definitively revealed. The differing theories on who or what rA9 might represent speak to the symbol’s flexibility as a storytelling device.
For android characters like Markus, North, and others, rA9 represents a kind of folk hero – a redeemer figure who will lead them to freedom. This gives them hope and purpose in their quest to liberate android-kind. For Kamski, rA9 seems more like an urban legend – an emergent property that arises from deviancy itself.
Ultimately, the mystery surrounding rA9’s origins and meaning allows players to project their own interpretations onto the symbol. It is a narrative wildcard that drives speculation and debate within the fan community. While rA9’s identity may never be fully unveiled, this enigmatic figure will continue to fascinate Detroit fans and fuel discussion long into the future.
