In other words, like this. Or like this.

The discrepancy between simulated / game reality and consensual reality is increasingly being used in other mediums, such as the abovementioned comics or movies (and let's not forget The Matrix). Yet, although this interesting theme is becoming increasingly mainstream as games saturate popular culture, it is hardly exploited in games, apart from some brave exceptions.

And of course there are still more than enough games that feature ridiculous, yet unironic settings.

I have some ideas in this general area, both in games and outside. I'll try to develop them so I can post them here. Don't hold your breath.

(Many thanks to Tobias Mayr for being my betareader ;)