Countries in the Mesa Black Universe

Though not much of the world is directly seen or interacted with in the games of the Mesa Black Universe, there appears to be many things around the world that have happened, or are happening concurrently with the events of the aforementioned games, including international relations between Mesa Black and Nigeria, and the seemingly multi-national Aperture Computer Assistance Center. The source of information of worldwide happenings in the Mesa Black Universe are usually vague ramblings of dialogue, random textures, and a few remarks from the The Narrator.

## Africa

### General

Right before the battle between Katie and Gladys, the latter will say "You have just entered Aperture Science which we do not know what to do in **Central African** Medical Science." This seems to indicate that the Aperture Computer Assistance Center may have attempted to offer assistance to the field of Medical Science in Central Africa, but did not know know what to do.

### Niger

In the beginning of it's Half Life, the Tram Announcer will tell Cicero to "Avoid having someone to make a significant contribution to the friend or family member in **Niger**. Samosa was the purpose of suffering?" Later, near the end of Half-Life: Defense, a Save Guard will talk to Shephardt about an "opportunity for peace," and say "Like **Niger**, as an atomic bomb." Though the details are unclear, it seems that there may be some animosity between Mesa Black and the nation of Niger, given that Mesa Black employees are told to avoid making contributions to any friend or family member who are in that country. It is also possible that the Battle-IV Director Nuke that ends up destroying Mesa Black is the same atomic bomb that the Save Guard is talking about, and that it was supplied by Niger. If that is the case, the Black Work (who tried to set up the bomb) and Sugar Man (who rearmed the bomb) may have affiliations with the country.

### Nigeria

In the beginning tram ride of It's Half-Life, Cicero sees a large tramcar labeled "**Nigeria** Wildlife Results" hauling unknown cargo, likely the creature of the same name. In Half-Life: Defense, an unknown scientist is seen in a recorded message to Walter saying "it failed to complete another **Nigerian**" (hence, why "Nigerian Wildlife" is understood to be the name of the aforementioned creatures). In Half-Life and Treadmill, there is a sign on the wall that says "**Nigerian** Revolution," indicating that the nation is undergoing a violent change (or attempted change) in leadership. Given this sign's presence in Mesa Black and their importing of Nigerian Wildlife, it is logical to assume that the country of Nigeria and the Mesa Black Research Facility are allies.

### Sierra Leone

"**Sierra Leonean** Studios" are mentioned in the end credits of Half-Life: Defense.

## Asia

### China

When a game is autosaved in It's Half-Life, Half-Life: Defense, or PHYSICIA: All the forms of the blue, it will display "[**China** support]" next to the file.

One of Dr. Jean Eyes Burn's other names is "**Chinese** money," as stated by the Narrator in the beginning of Half-Life and Treadmill.

### Israel and Palestine

Dr. Rosenberg mentions that, in the wake of the invasion, they can contact the troops of **Judea** within 2 hours, which they eventually do through email. It is unknown what the relationship between the Judean military and the Unique Natural Gas Company is, though it seems likely that they at least partially participated in the attack on Mesa Black. In addition, in PHYSICIA: All the Forms of the Blue, Dr. Rosenberg says to Clinically Silent Kalhun "Good luck, Calhoun said. I see you across the **river Jordan**!" This may be a nod to the occasionally-mentioned Moses, who, in the book of Deuteronomy, died on Mount Nebo, near the Jordan River.

In Half-Life and Treadmill, Dr. Christoph Cellarius says "this is a bull that you can ride in the air and not in Hell in **Gehenna**." Though this word is often translated as Hell, "Gehenna" actually refers to the Valley of Hinnom, which is around Jerusalem. This location is described in the book of Jeremiah as being a place where some of the wicked kings of Judah would sacrifice their children.

### Iran

One of the contributors to Portugal's development, according to its credits, is IKEA **Iran**.

### Iraq

One of the credits in Portugal says "Look at the **Iraqi** submarine."

### Japan

Dr. Rosenberg mentions the Eastern Asian country in his impromptu song in Physicia: All the forms of the blue: "The unfortunate man had been necessary, but because of the earth, whereby the weight of the work of **Japan**, to say that he knows that the more easily E Calhoun B is easy to be exposed to the. To do the land of Cham."

## Europe

### General

Dr. Rosenberg tells Clinically Silent Kalhun in PHYSICIA: All the Forms of the Blue that if the battery he finds is new, that it should be loaded and installed in **EU** life. One of Portugal's developers listed in the credits is **"EU** York which is Kirkmer."

One of the credits of Portugal makes refers to "In **europa** universalis Halifax," which may be a reference to the strategy game franchise Europa Universalis. "**Europe** Walker" also was a developer.

### England

In It's Half-Life, an unnamed scientist tells Cicero "And another scientific institution has the right to go to **Liverpool**.*"*

In PHYSICIA: All the Forms of the Blue, upon arriving at his destination, Clinically Silent Kalhun will be told by the Tram Announcer "Stopping in this part of **parliament**." Shortly after this, she will say "Lead me to the door for everything. Suddenly, explosions from the battlefield in their place were placed to the hands of the people. Provide security." This may be a nonsensical reference to the real-world historical event in which Guy Fawkes attempted to blow up the parliament house with gunpowder.

At the end credits of PHYSICIA: All the forms of the Blue, "Design in **London**" is mentioned.

When in a supposedly "impossible" test room, Gladys tells her sister Katie "Also, the **House of Commons** will release sympathies for this unforgettable test environment." According to the credits of Portugal, "half of **London**" helped work on the game, including a "**London** Youth Hostel".

### France

One of the developers named in Portugal's credits is "Carl of **france**." A "**French** dog" also apparently helped develop the game. However, "**Notre Dame Redford**" is said to have not helped with the game's development.

### Germany

One of the developers of Portugal, according to the credits, is **"Berlin** in August."

### Greece

One of the contributors to the development of Portugal, according to the credits, is "**Greek** Australia," which might imply that in this universe, Australia may have been (or still is) under the control of Greece.

### Ireland

"**Irish** Aspirin" helped develop Portugal, according to its credits.

### Italy

"Gearbox **Italian**" is named as the developer of Half-Life: Defense.

"**Italian** Oh, seeker" is stated in the credits of Portugal.

### Portugal

Although the namesake for the one of the Mesa Black universe games and its sequel, this nation's exact involvement in the Aperture Computer Assistance Center is not clear. **Portuguese** Turtles likely originate from this country, same with the portable portable portable device, which is also called the "**Portuguese** Gun" by the developer commentary. The cameras, also known as "legitimate test toys," are also described as **Portuguese**. Apparently, Portugal actively interferes with the training process of the Aperture Computer Assistance Center. Gareth Ricky briefly mentions the **Portuguese** movement, which he says is "difficult to describe." Jason Brashill reccomends that playwrights do not provoke **Portugal** by shooting it. In one of the courses, Jason Graham notes that, much to the players shock, they are supposed to navigate an energy ball away from **Portuguese** objects. The aforementioned Portuguese Turtles, according to LOVE COMMUNITY, can be beaten in "an easy **Portuguese** style."

### Roman Empire

Although this empire is not specifically named, both Caesar and Cicero appear to be named after **Julius Caesar** and **Marcus Tullius Cicero**, two key historical figures in the Roman Empire.

### Serbia

In Boot Ice Cream, Investment Advisor says "**Serbian** military cars and enthusiasm!" This may imply that the Unique Natural Gas Company gets their military cars supplied to them from Serbia.

### Sweden

"The **Swedish** movement" is mentioned by the Narrator in Boot Ice Cream.

## North America

### Canada

After Clinically Silent Kalhun completes the firing range portion of the Mason Black Course, The Miller states "**Toronto** Black Market area to complete.*"* Since this is stated right after the firing range, it can be inferred that Mesa Black gets their weapons supplied to them from a black market in Toronto, Canada.

In Half-Life and Treadmill, while attempting to email the army, Dr. Rosenberg will shout "There it is, everything! **Canada**!" The end credits of the game also mention a "**Canadian** Battalion."

One of the developers of Portugal, according to the credits, is called "A **Yukon** Beetle."

### Cuba

In Portugal, Katie encounters a cube with a heart on it known as (among numerous other names) Weight-Loss Partner **Cuba****.** In addition, during the final battle, Gladys will remark "I invited your best friend to **Cuba**. He simply could not come because he had killed her."

### United States of America

It is likely that all of the events of It's Half-Life, Half-Life: Defense, PHYSICIA: All the forms of the blue, and Half Life and Treadmill take place in the fictional American town of **Hasadian Black Mesa, New Mexico** (with the exception of any segment that takes place in The Lost World). The Messenger states that "**the economy** will continue until 1:35," which may be a reference to the invasion that doubtless takes a large toll on the American economy. Boot Ice Cream likely takes place within the fictional city of **San Diego, Arizona**. There are signs around Mesa Black that state "The most important security guard is located in **San Francisco**," despite the fact that this city is located over 1,000 miles away from New Mexico.

A scientist may occasionally utter "**Boston, Philadelphia**." In addition, they may also shout "**Iowa**!" These lines are either very rare or unused in-game.

The screen will say "**Hawaii**" when loading into a new game in It's Half-Life, Half-Life: Defense, or PHYSICIA: All the forms of the blue.

In Half-Life: Defense, Shephardt may come across an office belonging to someone named "**United States** Jones."

In PHYSICIA: All the forms of the blue's end credits, "**New York** and blue unicorn" and "And - this **American**" are mentioned.

In the opening of Half-Life and Treadmill, "**United States**" is mentioned.

In Portugal, Katie is told by her sister Gladys in the Android test room that "Not applicable to room necessities for ordering laboratory carrots. It was replaced by an Android war engine. **The House of Representatives** apologizes for the inconvenience." Later on, Gladys also says "The test is imminent. The center of **Anchorage** will remind you that you are being attacked, and then there is the ball." The developer commentary mentions someone by the name of "**United States** McClaine."

A "**US** Coat Dress," "the realm of **portland**," "**American** Gibby," "**Iowa** Christian Boras," **"Kentucky** McTigart," and **"Dayton** Rambo Inia" are said in the credits to have contributed to the development of Portugal.

## Oceania

### Australia

Clinically Silent Kalhun is described by the Narrator as a recipient of the **Australian** of the Year award, implying that he was originally a resident of that nation. After Gladys' defeat, the subtitles say "**Australia Australia**," implying that Katie may have woken up from the battle in Australia. One of the lines of text in the credits of Portugal says "Greek **Australia**," implying that there may have been (or currently is) a time when Australia, in part or in whole, was controlled by Greece.

### Polynesia

Half-Life and Treadmill begins with a Save Guard saying "**Aloha**, doctor doctor!" In addition, there is a marking on the wall of the next room that says "IKEA **Aloha**."

According to Gladys, the sound that Katie's throat makes is "**Aloha**!" This could indicate that Katie (and thus her family members) originate from the Polynesian regions.

## Unknown

### The Land of Cham

Dr. Rosenberg mentions a place called "The Land of Cham" in his impromptu song in PHYSICIA: All the forms of the blue: "The unfortunate man had been necessary, but because of the earth, whereby the weight of the work of Japan, to say that he knows that the more easily E Calhoun B is easy to be exposed to the. To do the **land of Cham**." Considering that there are several real-world locations known as Cham, and none of them are anywhere near the aforementioned Japan, it is not known which location Rosenberg is speaking of.