Polybius as a Cultural Artifact
The Boogeymen of urban legends exist only in the minds of those that understand and contribute to them. As a result, they reflect the fears, doubts, and morbid curiosity of those communities that create them. Polybius may not exist, but its story gives an interesting insight video game culture and the suspicions of those outside of it.
Polybius is not a creature or demon out to terrorize unsuspecting victims. It is an arcade game that draws children in willingly, making it all the more insidious. Further, it’s known for its addictive qualities, sending players into a fervor as crowds awaited for their turn to play.
This part of the Polybius myth echos parental fears during the arcade boom of the 80s. Video games were demonized, with arcades frequently compared to casinos or bars. Skeptics feared that children’s enthusiasm for gaming was the result of harmful addiction.
