I came across an interesting article on
why people play violent video games, which cited a lot of the behavioral studies you have undertaken in this field. I was hoping to ask you a few questions about your work and thoughts, if you have the time.
I don’t play much video games myself these days because my tastes are a bit out of step with what is on offer. You see, I love science fiction and want to explore the strange lands they offer. But I am so tired of games forcing me to club or shoot every pixel that happens to move.
Why are video games so violent? Can’t gamers walk into some faraway virtual world in peace without having to worry about their health bars and the Darwinian struggle for virtual existence?
Now, I am no expert, but my initial hypothesis is that violent games exist because people desire a mix of escapism and exhilaration that they cannot get in real life. I think this is similar to our fascination with action, horror and thriller films; and with extreme but controlled amusements like roller coasters, bungee-jumping, and go-karting.
I also suspect that there is some amount of publishing inertia at work. The big developers make violent games because violent games sell well. Their success makes them risk averse and hesitant to try anything new with their flagship titles. The same can be said, I think, about most Hollywood horror films that continue to rehash the same plots and tropes.
Your
research adds that “violent video games resonate with players because they… fulfill psychological needs and motivations for obtaining status, feeling dominant, and feeling like a high-quality partner.” This makes sense given our nature as social creatures, and the fact that video games offer immediate gratification in the comforts of our own homes.
I am beginning to wonder, however, if violent video games are reflective of something deeper in the human condition. After all, much of humanity itself is violent in the broadest sense. Not only do humans partake in wars and crimes-against-humanity, we inflict irreparable harm to other animals and lifeforms wherever we go. Even our ancestors of prehistory may have played a part in the
displacement and extinction of our ancient relatives, from the Neanderthals to the Denisovans. Perhaps we are truly the most terrible of the living.
Moreover, much of the history we talk about is of the violent sort. Students are taught about the perils of warfare and the valour of soldiers; while little time is spent on the trials and tribulations of potato farmers or ascetic monks. I guess very few people would be interested in video games of that sort. Tastes and preferences are peculiar things. Perhaps violent video games will remain a mainstay until the attention, attitudes and dispositions of society changes.
I don’t know. But what do you think? Are violent video games reflective of society? I’d love to hear more about your thoughts or research on the matter if you have the time.
Warm regards,
Tobias