Podcast Summary: The Prosecutors - Episode 305: The Polybius Mystery – Video Games
Introduction to Polybius In Episode 305 of The Prosecutors, hosts Alice and Brett delve into the enigmatic tale of Polybius, a fabled arcade game that has become a cornerstone of video game urban legends. Released in 1981, Polybius is rumored to have possessed hypnotic qualities, causing severe psychological and physical side effects in its players. Brett introduces the episode with intrigue, stating, "Imagine a video game so addicting that it could drive you insane or even kill you," setting the stage for a deep exploration of this mysterious phenomenon (02:55).
Origins and Early Mentions The legend of Polybius begins in the early 1980s in Portland, Oregon, where reports surfaced of a strange new arcade game appearing in local arcades. Unlike other games of its time, Polybius featured abstract designs, complex geometric shapes, and an eerie soundtrack that captivated and distressed players simultaneously. Alice reminisces about her childhood arcade experiences, emphasizing the allure and communal aspect of arcades before Polybius emerged (04:18).
Claims and Testimonies According to urban legend, Polybius quickly became the most sought-after game, leading to intense addiction among teenagers. Players reported severe side effects, including nausea, stress, nightmares, seizures, suicidal ideations, and difficulty controlling their thoughts. Brett elaborates, "Users who played Polybius couldn't stop despite experiencing horrific side effects," highlighting the game's sinister reputation (14:18). The mystery deepens with reports that high scorers of the game mysteriously disappeared, never to be seen again.
The Men in Black and Government Conspiracy A pivotal aspect of the Polybius legend involves men in black suits who purportedly serviced the game. These figures were seen frequently interacting with the arcade machines, recording data without collecting any coins, which fueled speculations of a government experiment akin to the notorious MK Ultra program. Brett draws parallels between MK Ultra and the supposed intentions behind Polybius, suggesting it was an attempt to use video games for mind control purposes (18:37).
Debunking and Possible Hoaxes Despite the compelling narrative, substantial evidence supporting the existence of Polybius is lacking. Alice highlights that the story gained traction primarily through online forums and a fabricated podcast testimony from "Bobby Feldstein," who attributed his abduction to the game (22:14). Further skepticism arises from conflicting accounts, such as anonymous claims from a supposed Sega programmer and debunking efforts by the YouTube channel Ahoy, which exposed inconsistencies and potential hoaxes surrounding the legend (26:55).
Comparison to Other Urban Legends Alice and Brett compare Polybius to other enduring urban legends like Slender Man and the hook-handed killer, noting how certain stories captivate the public imagination despite lacking verifiable evidence. Brett reflects, "Polybius is just a pure urban legend," positioning it within a broader context of folklore that serves to warn or entertain (79:22).
Psychological Insights and Human Fascination The hosts delve into why such legends persist, exploring the human tendency to create and believe in mysterious stories. Alice muses on the existential aspect, stating, "The stories that we have truly run throughout history," suggesting that legends like Polybius fulfill a deeper need for narrative and myth-making in society (85:00). They discuss how nostalgia and the allure of the unknown contribute to the story's longevity.
Conclusion: Fact or Fiction? Alice and Brett conclude that while there might be a kernel of truth—such as the intense scrutiny and moral panic surrounding arcades in the early '80s—the existence of Polybius as described in the legends is highly improbable. Brett asserts, "There's absolutely no evidence that this game has ever existed," emphasizing the likelihood of Polybius being a collective hallucination or a well-crafted hoax that has taken on a life of its own over the decades (93:00).
Notable Quotes
- Brett (02:55): "Imagine a video game so addicting that it could drive you insane or even kill you."
- Brett (18:37): "Polybius is the next thing [after MK Ultra]. Video games are invented. The CIA sees how addictive it is, how engaged people are, and they think, I wonder if we could use this technology to control people."
- Alice (22:14): "In October 1981, a boy named Bobby Feldstein was abducted from his Portland home and discovered a day later, 60 miles from his home in the Tillamook State Forest."
- Brett (26:55): "A man named Stephen Roche also posted... he claimed he was one of the original programmers of Polybius."
- Brett (79:22): "99% of the songs, of the music, of the stories that have ever been told in human history are lost forever."
Final Thoughts The Prosecutors Episode 305 offers a comprehensive examination of the Polybius mystery, blending factual investigation with critical analysis of urban legends. Through engaging dialogue and meticulous research, Alice and Brett unravel the layers of myth surrounding Polybius, ultimately presenting it as an intriguing but unfounded story that reflects broader societal narratives and human fascination with the unknown.