Virtual war is worrying

[Gav]

Or is it?

This is an article I've just read on El Reg where a journalist reuminates about the ethics of game which glorufy war. It's interesting.

Virtual war is worrying

[Epee_Pox]

I'm more worried about the baggage-retrieval system they've got at Heathrow.

[Gav]

Originally Posted by Epee_Pox

I'm more worried about the baggage-retrieval system they've got at Heathrow.

I take it you read the article then?

[Larrison]

I think its an interesting article too.. and something that I find vaguely worrying as well. But then, I find it worrying that we have highly visual depictions of armed robbery and mahem on the streets in Video games (Grand Theft Auto), zombies and cannibalizsm, massive blood and gore in movies, depicitions of violence and killing (and rape and etc) in current movies as well. And then there are the topics in the books...

But then, conflict is the basis of much of literature and the theatre, and its following modern forms of movies, TV and now video games. As technology advances and computer games before more and more like interactive high quality cinemagraphic movies, they become more realistic and have a higher psychological impact. I've already heard of people who under stress in their normal lifes have retreated into video games (usually the fantasy ones) to create an alternative reality to live in. In some cases, this has caused severe psychological issues.

It's something to talk about and something to keep in the back of your mind -- and certainly if someone was *only* fed a steady diet of such things, that it would have psychological impact.

In the end, its the responsibility of a parent to gauge and monitor their kids use of video games, and I leave it to the parents to make the decision about what games are appropriate, and how much the kids play them (versus doing things like playing outside, getting exercise, studying, and etc...). For adults (who are a growing percentage of gamers), that is their choice and responsibility...

[Epee_Pox]

Originally Posted by Gav

I take it you read the article then?

Yup. It was thoughtful, well-written, and had good screenshots. Never heard of rape fantasies, but I'll take the author's word for it and call his comparison an intriguing connection.

Nevertheless, I don't think violent games make people desensitized to real-life violence.

But they can be very entertaining and challenging and can provide a cathartic outlet for male violence fantasies that - who knows - might have found an outlet in real life.

[D+F+P=Hadouken!]

My personal opinion is that shooting games are not the problem, but the symptom. Why would people play these games if they didnt have pent up anger/pissedness? I think people play these games for the same reason that some guys beat their wives when they're pissed, except shooting games are a much healthier outlet, and don't result in jail time.

[Epee_Pox]

There are several reasons why someone would play these games that have nothing to do with pent-up anything.

They're often very challenging, and a lot of the fun is in overcoming the puzzle each challenge offers. These puzzles can be presented as solving a kind of riddle, or executing a strategy, or overcoming tactical obstacles. People "addicted" to a game are usually nothing more than very intent on solving its puzzles, or coming up with better solutions in subsequent play.

They're often emotionally involving, building up tension and surprising the player like a gripping story.

And they're becoming more and more entertaining, with tighter storylines and character drama giving context and long-term goals to the action.

Do people with anger issues play video games? Sure. Are they the only people who do, or even in the majority? Of course not.

The fact is, an overwhelming number of people play these games. And almost none of them become violent or act out inappropriately as a result.

So yes, I'm more worried about the baggage retrieval system they've got at Heathrow.

[jBirch]

Originally Posted by Epee_Pox

They're often very challenging, and a lot of the fun is in overcoming the puzzle each challenge offers. These puzzles can be presented as solving a kind of riddle, or executing a strategy, or overcoming tactical obstacles. People "addicted" to a game are usually nothing more than very intent on solving its puzzles, or coming up with better solutions in subsequent play.

Can you stop saying intelligent things? I don't have enough rep left to give out any more points!

James.

[Epee_Pox]

Originally Posted by jBirch

Can you stop saying intelligent things? I don't have enough rep left to give out any more points!

James.

I'm sorry. Is this better?

There's stuff I don't understand, don't approve of, and/or am ignorant of. That stuff is therefore dumb and/or dangerous. Anyone who disagrees with me should be shouted down and/or vilified.