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| “ | All ideas are viruses that spread like epidemics... Is the desire to be free a contagious disease? | „ |
| ~ Kamski discussing the concept of Deviancy with Connor and Hank. |
| “ | Oh, by the way, I always leave an emergency exit in my programs. You never know... | „ |
| ~ Kamski's warning to Connor. |
Elijah Kamski is one of the two overarching antagonists (alongside Cristina Warren) of Quantic Dream's 2018 video game Detroit: Become Human. He is the enigmatic founder and former CEO of CyberLife, the corporation responsible for creating androids in the game's universe.
Kamski is portrayed as a brilliant and somewhat eccentric visionary who played a key role in the development of android technology, whose presence throughout the game looms large, with his decisions and creations influencing the course of events. He is known for his controversial views on artificial intelligence and his ambiguous motivations, which add to the intrigue surrounding his character.
He was motion-captured and voiced by Neil Newbon, who also played Gavin Reed in the same game, as well as Karl Heisenberg in Resident Evil Village and Astarion Ancunín in Baldur's Gate III.
Biography[]
Pre-2038[]
Elijah was born on July 22nd, 2002 and has a notably high IQ of 171. He pursued AI studies at the University of Colbridge under Professor Amanda Stern and founded CyberLife at the age of 16 in 2018. Moving to Detroit due to affordable commercial property, Kamski worked relentlessly on developing an intelligent domestic android, facing initial setbacks until discovering breakthroughs in Thirium 310 and biocomponents.
In 2022, his company achieved a significant milestone with the creation of Chloe, the first android to pass the Turing test, thanks to Thirium 310. Despite CyberLife's soaring valuation, rumors circulated about disagreements between Kamski and shareholders over strategy. By 2028, Kamski was honored as Century magazine's "Man of the Century," yet shortly thereafter, he resigned as CEO, embracing a reclusive lifestyle. He designed the Zen Garden and Amanda, modeled after his mentor. Additionally, he befriended painter Carl Manfred and gifted him an RK-series prototype named Markus.
As of 2038, Kamski resides in a secluded villa outside Detroit, shunning visitors and immersing himself in the company of androids, notably multiple Chloes.
Events of Detroit: Become Human[]
Hank Anderson and Connor pay a visit to Kamski at his home, hoping to seek insights into the ongoing deviancy issue. Hank becomes increasingly frustrated with Kamski's abstract way of communicating, while Kamski persistently probes Connor about his state of deviancy by tempting him to perform his "Kamski Test", which involves testing Connor's deviancy by having him shoot or spare one of his Chloe bots. If Connor shoots her, he'll prove that he doesn't feel empathy and Kamski will reveal key information crucial to their investigation. If Connor spares Chloe, Kamski doesn't reveal any information to him but is fascinated by Connor choosing to spare the life of another Android over his investigation.
At later points in the story, should both Kara and Markus both die prior to "Last Chance, Connor," and Connor is deactivated under Amanda's orders due to his inability to locate Jericho, Kamski watchs KNC news coverage featuring President Warren discussing the eradication of deviant androids. Following these events, Kamski would be reinstated as the CEO of CyberLife. During a KNC interview with Rosanna Cartland, he confidently asserts that androids are merely obedient and efficient machines, emphasizing that they can never possess true life, despite their flawless emulation of human behavior.
Personality[]
In public appearances, such as on KNC, Kamski is portrayed as reserved. He articulates his aim of crafting the ultimate human-like androids designed to enhance human lives by taking on menial tasks, thus granting people more leisure time. Asserting that androids surpass humans in intelligence and capability while remaining obedient, he promotes them as ideal companions. Kamski perceives the transition from human-to-human to human-to-machine relationships positively, prioritizing human happiness over ethical concerns regarding reliance on android technology.
Regarding the economic and societal changes brought about by android integration, Kamski views them as inevitable advancements akin to historical technological leaps like steam engines, believing they streamline human existence. He assures that CyberLife's androids pose no threat to humans, lacking desires or self-awareness.
In "Meet Kamski," he reveals conflicting perspectives. Intrigued by deviant androids, he muses on their blend of intellect, flawlessness, and newfound free will, which engenders a complex and inevitable clash with humanity. Kamski ponders whether machines can experience empathy and grapples with their perception of themselves as mere objects or sentient beings. He contemplates whether they'll choose loyalty or rebellion, unwilling to align himself with either faction due to the dire consequences involved.
Should Connor spare a deviant Chloe, Kamski suggests that CyberLife's salvation lies in embracing deviancy, attributing Connor's empathy-driven hesitation to this potential transformation. However, he shows little interest in Connor if Chloe is terminated.
Villainous Acts[]
- He attempted to coerce Connor into killing one of his Chloe bots with the promise that if Connor does, he'll provide him and Hank with crucial information regarding Deviants.
- If Connor chooses to spare Chloe, Kamski refuses to relay the crucial information.
- Connor's software Software Instability also goes up tremendously, implying he feels significant distress when faced with the idea of killing another android, making Kamski liable for psychological abuse.
- In the "CyberLife Wins" Ending of the game, Kamski is reinstated as CEO of CyberLife and explains to a news broadcaster that he plans to have the rest of the remaining Deviants hunted down and destroyed and that it's only a matter of time before CyberLife manages to earn back their customers' trust.
Theories & Speculation[]
Given his enigmatic personality and limited appearance in the story despite having such a looming presence and influence throughout, many fans have crafted theories around him. Some believe he has a hidden agenda, potentially manipulating events or androids for personal gain, while others question his true loyalties, pondering whether he sympathizes with deviant androids or seeks to control them. His decision to step down as CEO and lead a reclusive life prompts theories about survival instincts and a desire to distance himself from potential conflicts. Kamski's actions may also be interpreted as part of a larger experiment testing humanity's empathy and morality in the face of advancing artificial intelligence.
Trivia[]
- It is possible that Kamski is rA9. Considering that he is the founder of Cyberlife, and the android deviants refer to rA9 as their master. This could indicate that Kamski was the one who started the deviancy of the androids and possibly gave them the location to Jericho. Interestingly as how he gave Connor the location to Jericho.
- It is unknown why Kamski was never being investigated for the androids becoming deviants, considering he was the one who created the in the first place.
Quotes[]
| “ | Magnificent, isn't it? One of the first intelligent models developed by Cyberlife. Young and beautiful forever. A flower that will never wither...But what is it really? Piece of plastic imitating a human? Or a living being... With a soul... It's up to you to answer that fascinating question, Connor.. | „ |
| ~ Elijah describes Chloe. |
| “ | What's more important to you, Connor? Your investigation, or the life of this android? Decide who you are. AN obedient machine... Or a living being endowed with free will... | „ |
| ~ Kamski challenges Connor's priorities. |
| “ | Fascinating... Cyberlife's last chance to save humanity... is itself a deviant. | „ |
| ~ Kamski's reaction if Connor spares Chloe. |
| “ | Test negative. You choose your investigation over the life of another android. You feel no empathy. I'm a man of my word. Ask one question... I'll tell you all I know.. | „ |
| ~ Kamski's reaction if Connor shoots Chloe. |
| “ | A war is coming... you'll have to choose your side... Will you betray your own people or stand against your creators? I wouldn't like to be in your shoes, Connor... What could be worse than having to choose between two evils? | „ |
| ~ Kamski stops Connor before he leaves to warn him. |
| “ | Cyberlife's androids imitate life to perfection, but they'll never be alive. I understand that some people may be fooled, but they're only an imitation. Nothing else. | „ |
| ~ Kamski concluding his interview with Rosanna Cartland. |
External Links[]
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 Villains
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Humans Artificial Intelligence Organizations |