I’m reviewing a new sci-fi novel, Neurogarden, that has the antagonist heading a secretive and corrupt corporation, NeuralTech. This is a popular theme in science fiction, given technical advances and the drive for profit have not always been altruistic bedfellows. However, they can make for a ripping yarn! You only have to look at some of the most popular books and films of the last few decades to see that’s the case.
Alien, the space-horror classic, used Weyland-Yutani, a mining, manufacturing, synthetics corporation prepared to sacrifice humans, even risk the human race for the sake of technical advantage.
Jurassic Park had a biotech company, InGen use advanced genetic engineering to clone dinosaurs. They began with altruistic aims but the profit motive soon took over.
Blade Runner’s Tyrell Corporation is another, designing and manufacturing lifelike androids, replicants, their goal to dehumanise the workplace with superior robots.
Many other popular books, films and TV programs come to mind such as Mr Robot, West World, Devs, Ex Machina, to name a few.
What are your favourite ‘evil corporation’ SFF stories?
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