Focusing on the conflict between secretive factions who wish to control the world by proxy, and the effects of transhumanistic attitudes and technologies in a dystopian near-future setting, the series also includes references to real-world conspiracy theories, historical mythologies and philosophies, and provides a commentary on capitalist values and division in society.

In the midst of the crisis, JC Denton, a nano-augmented rookie agent for the United Nations Anti-Terrorist Coalition (UNATCO), is sent to eliminate terrorist cells, but ends up drawn into the various schemes of rival factions and secret societies, who are responsible for the epidemic.

Once he arrives in Area 51, Denton has the choice between neutralizing technology and plunging the world into a second dark age,[3] allying with the Illuminati,[4] or merging with an advanced AI so as to impose a benevolent dictatorship.

Human Revolution is set in 2027, twenty-five years before the first title, where corporations have extended their influence past the reach of global governments and the development of bio-mechanical augmentation by a few elite and powerful companies threatens to destabilize society.

Regardless of the choice made by Adam at the end of Human Revolution, the Illuminati have twisted his message and augmented individuals are persecuted and feared.

A unifying element across the series is the combination of gameplay styles from several different genres, including action role-playing, first-person shooter and stealth.

[15] The main drive behind Deus Ex was Spector's growing dislike for straight fantasy or science fiction video games, and the desire to create something new and different.

Eventually, after being rejected by both Origin Systems, the company with which he was working at the time, and Looking Glass Studios, Spector's project was picked up by Ion Storm.

[24] This period saw both Harvey Smith, the main designer for Deus Ex, and Spector leaving Ion Storm in 2004, with the former citing health problems[25] and the latter saying he wished to pursue his own projects.

[35] In November 2022, Jason Schreier of Bloomberg News reported that Eidos-Montréal was in the "very very early" development stages of a new Deus Ex game.

[41] In May 2017, the Game Central reporters at Metro UK suggested that the shared universe was unlikely, pointing out that no progress had been made on any Just Cause, Deus Ex nor Thief films.

It is a puzzle-based game in the same fashion as Square Enix Montréal's previous mobile titles, Hitman Go and Lara Croft Go.

[45] Overall, the Deus Ex series has been generally well-received by critics, with the games' storylines and freedom of choice being the main point of praise.