Violence in Video Games ::: For a term paper -- I could use your opinions

[pharaoh malik]

So to gamers I guess this could seem like a silly topic. Video games often portray acts of violence -- and part of that is because games are influenced by real life which I must say, is pretty damn violent. :| I personally do not believe that video games cause more violence. However, certain studies show that violent video games can lead to youth aggression, addictive behavior and can cause players to desensitize from violence in the real world. Just the other day I was playing RE4 and my roommate came home and was shocked that I was sitting on the couch killing what to her resembled humans. She scolded me and told me I shouldn't kill people even in games, 'they aren't people they are zombies!', I insisted to no avail.(I didn't bother to go into depth on the whole las plagas thing) At any rate, her reaction got me thinking about other people's opinion on the matter.

To those of you who play video games featuring graphic violence, criminal behavior, gore, sex, nudity and portrayal of other deviant behavior, answer me this.

Why do you game?
Is there a genre or style of game you prefer? Why that genre? -- Are you drawn to the violent/ provocative themes? If yes, why?
Are you addicted?
Does gaming cause you to be anti-social or do you game as a social activity?
Do you think video games can lead to an increase in aggression or criminal/deviant behavior?

And any other opinions you might have on the topic. C:

I hope to hear from all ages and all different sorts of gamers.

In my own personal opinion, I feel as though our society is corrupt and placing the blame on video games is just another way to avoid dealing with the actual problem.

I haven't worked out exactly what I want to do with the paper, but I figured getting some input might help me along. At the very rate it is better than sitting around staring at the internet mindlessly. >>

 

[JourneyMan88]

Get yourself a book called "Grand Theft Childhood" by Kutchner and Olsen. That's what I did 2 years ago when I tackled that topic. It proved to be an invaluable tool, it also has a good index for finding specific information.

 

[pharaoh malik]

Get yourself a book called "Grand Theft Childhood" by Kutchner and Olsen. That's what I did 2 years ago when I tackled that topic. It proved to be an invaluable tool, it also has a good index for finding specific information.

Thank you so much! I can try and see if I have time to get it... >>; let's just say I've put the paper for awhile now... >>; I'll go look it up right now. C:

 

[SimuLord]

Get yourself a book called "Grand Theft Childhood" by Kutchner and Olsen. That's what I did 2 years ago when I tackled that topic. It proved to be an invaluable tool, it also has a good index for finding specific information.

That book is to video games what Seduction of the Innocent was to comic books. Kutchner and Olsen should be drawn and quartered for the slipshod "research" that went into that book.

 

[PunkRex]

Personally I see it as the same reasons its portrayed in any other media. Sometimes to express a point, sometimes to be historically accurate, sometimes for the hell of it, etc.

As for violance (and any other theme, for example sex) leading to violance, in my oppinion the said effected person was either already partially there to begin with and this was simply the final push OR the said person could not comprehend exactly what was happening (for example children or the mentally handicapped). Either that or the peron was just evil and using it as an excuse... like God (yeah because he hangs out with people like you).

My gaming preferances are not solely on any genre, im far more interested in story but most of all style (a concept very often over looked). Pikmin and Timesplitters are my favourite games (the series as a whole that is) because not only do they have entertaining, well designed gameplay but their stories, characters and locations are fantastic and their style is well developed and instantly recognizable.

 

[PunkRex]

Ironically enough im generally interested in Splatterhouse at the moment because of its style and themes. Im not talking about gore for gores sake but how its used in the very fibre of the game. Blood for instance is a good one. Its in the visuals (obviously), its in the combat (again obviously) but its also used in character development (upgrade system) and progression (puzzles). Im also interested to see how its used in the story and dialog (comedy for example). Im not expecting miracles of course but im still interested in it as I love themes, they can bring a random group of ideals into one cohesive one and give a idea its own character, Fallouts 50 esq setting or Mass Effects science basing are just two of my favourites.

 

[GotMalkAvian]

First, to answer your questions:
I game because I find it a great way to relieve stress. I enjoy video games because their fun, accessible, and allow me a little bit more interaction than just sitting and watching TV. For the record, I also do a lot of tabletop gaming, and enjoy the character development, roleplaying, and creative problem solving aspects of that kind of gaming.
My favorite genre is RPG. I get the most enjoyment out of games that have deep stories, characters that a player can get attached to, and plotlines that change with player choices. I also enjoy fighting games, action/adventure games, puzzle games, and the very occasional first-person shooter. The only genres I don't tend to enjoy are sports or driving games. Essentially, I can find enjoyment in any game as long as the gameplay and/or story are engaging to me.
I enjoy conflict-driven games because they provide a simple goal and instant gratification: Use these weapons to kill these enemies because they antagonize your character. I also enjoy games with other edgy themes for the same reason that I'd enjoy books, movies, TV, or music with the same themes: I'm a human being, a simple animal, and things like sex and violence are in my primal nature.
I wouldn't say that I'm addicted to gaming, since it never takes precedence over any aspect of my real life. I spend most of my free time gaming, but it has never gotten in the way of work, school, or relationships.
My video gaming isn't entirely social, as I don't tend to play online games very often; once again, the lack of story in the often-competetive online gaming area doesn't really appeal to me, with the exception of MMOs. However, I do spend a lot of time discussing video games with my friends, and since our tastes are similar, video games often give us a point of conversation. Also, as I said before, I do a lot of tabletop gaming which, by its very nature, is a very social activity.
I don't necessarily believe that violent video games lead to an increase in violent behavior. I will readily admit that consuming large amounts of violent material in any medium probably isn't a very healthy pastime, but I don't think it causes and permanent damage. Growing up, I was allowed to watch violent movies from a young age, but my parents always made sure to discuss the difference between fantasy and reality. To this day, I am the perfect example of the gamer who plays violent video games as a way to blow off steam. In real life, I'm incredibly passive and laid-back.
As your teacher if she believes that playing other types of games will lead to the emulation of that behavior. For example, will playing sports video games make a person a better athlete? Will playing massive amounts of Guitar Hero actually make me a famous musician (hint: It hasn't)? Would large amounts of playing Pokemon result in a child who trapped animals like a French fur trapper and battled them like Michael Vick?
Personally, I believe that children are exposed to massive amounts of violence from news sources, schools, home life, and even religion. Video games, like music, movies, and comics books before them, are just the newest form of entertainment media used by an ignorant older generation to cover up for other factors, be it poor parenting, living in a tough neighborhood, the lack of effort to stop bullying in schools, or even just an inexplicable predisposition towards violence that some people are born with. People have grown up to be psychopaths since long before even electricity was discovered, and will continue to do horrible things to other people long after video games have come to be accepted into mainstream culture and another form of entertainment has risen to take the blame for other problems.

 

[SimuLord]

Get yourself a book called "Grand Theft Childhood" by Kutchner and Olsen. That's what I did 2 years ago when I tackled that topic. It proved to be an invaluable tool, it also has a good index for finding specific information.

That book is to video games what Seduction of the Innocent was to comic books. Kutchner and Olsen should be drawn and quartered for the slipshod "research" that went into that book.

I think you're thinking of another book (Grand Theft Childhood defends video games).

Probably. I know there's enough stuff out there that...ah, fuck it. Every once in awhile I hit bystanders when I shoot from the hip.

 

[PunkRex]

Wow I suddenly love Penn and Teller for more then simply being on Sabrina.

 

[EmzOLV]

Why do you game? I enjoy it on a personal level, it helps me to relax after a long day at work, to unwind and it helps my anxiety by concentrating on something else other than work and personal issues.

Is there a genre or style of game you prefer? Why that genre? I mostly play RPG but I also have quite a few platformers and FPS. I prefer RPG just simply because I have found over the years that I have more of an interest in the storytelling, the expanding, the levelling up, etc, and have got a better experience with playing these games than FPS

-- Are you drawn to the violent/ provocative themes? If yes, why? I don't really notice a game or buy a game because it is violent, no. It just happens that quite a few of the games I own do contain violence

Are you addicted? Possibly, although it would be nicer to hear from an outside perspective rather than my own because I may always deny it

Does gaming cause you to be anti-social or do you game as a social activity? Only sometimes, usually I will use gaming when I want to be on my own, when I need time away from friends who may be being over-dramatic, when I need time away from work, etc. However I also have game nights with some friends and make a big huge group thing out of it, so in some ways it is a bit of both.

Do you think video games can lead to an increase in aggression or criminal/deviant behavior? I think that there have been a couple of cases especially in the media which have been heavily portrayed as the games themselves being the primary cause for criminal or dangerous behaviour. However, there is also a lot of horrific news, a lot of horror movies, comics, real-life situations which have also caused these. I believe that there has been a very sweeping generalisation of video games to become the main culprit and that is not necessarily the case. Its the same with parents who think their kids are becoming violent because of playing mature video games at the age of 13 say. But then, who was it who buys them the mature games for christmas, and don't do their own research into the age rating system which is there for that very reason to show that a game is not suitable for someone under that age? It works for film ratings, most people know that they don't want to take their 12 year to an 18 film, and that cinemas prohibit it, but when it comes to games people seem to take the naive view of "I don't know what it means, and its the game companies faults for creating a game so violent"

/rant

 

[shogunblade]

To those of you who play video games featuring graphic violence, criminal behavior, gore, sex, nudity and portrayal of other deviant behavior, answer me this.

Okay, I'll answer for you.

Why Do you Game? I game because I was raised with it. From as early as three or four.

Is there a genre or style of game you prefer? Why that genre? -- Are you drawn to the violent/ provocative themes? If yes, why?
I enjoy playing Action and music/Rhythm and Puzzle games. Action because A little action is exciting. Music/Rhythm because I am a very musical person. Puzzle because I love a good challenge. As far as Violent/Provacative themes go, I tend to avoid many, unless the gameplay and story have some way to keep me involved.

Are you addicted? No, I've gone three to four weeks, to I believe 1-2 months without submitting to any signs of addiction.

Does gaming cause you to be anti-social or do you game as a social activity? If anything, it has become a social activity: I find many people who play those video games online and outside the internet, it makes me talk to some people I would never consider speaking to.

Do you think video games can lead to an increase in aggression or criminal/deviant behavior?
Never. Video Games can make you aggravated for a brief time (A few levels in Guitar Hero could be evident of that as much as any DOOM clone or any other FPS), but they do not encourage aggression or Criminal behavior. I do feel that a player can gain inspiration from a video game the same way one might read "Catcher in the Rye" and might be inclined to assassinate a former Beatle or watch a horror movie and recreate the scene, but I say inspiration, not A Videogame makes somebody commit a heinous act.

I did an final for a Psychology class just a day ago, so I understand where you are coming from, I think. Hope some of this helps. PM me if you want to ask more.

 

[JourneyMan88]

Get yourself a book called "Grand Theft Childhood" by Kutchner and Olsen. That's what I did 2 years ago when I tackled that topic. It proved to be an invaluable tool, it also has a good index for finding specific information.

That book is to video games what Seduction of the Innocent was to comic books. Kutchner and Olsen should be drawn and quartered for the slipshod "research" that went into that book.

You have it wrong, they shed light on the "slipshod 'research'" done by the APA. Research done without clear controls or quantifiable results. They also touch on several controversies going back as far as Death Race 2000 and Mortal Kombat, to recent events such as the DC Sniper, Columbine and the VA Tech shootings.
The APA originally drafted a white paper of their "findings" and Kutchner and Olsen refute the results rather emphatically.

 

[SimuLord]

Get yourself a book called "Grand Theft Childhood" by Kutchner and Olsen. That's what I did 2 years ago when I tackled that topic. It proved to be an invaluable tool, it also has a good index for finding specific information.

That book is to video games what Seduction of the Innocent was to comic books. Kutchner and Olsen should be drawn and quartered for the slipshod "research" that went into that book.

You have it wrong, they shed light on the "slipshod 'research'" done by the APA. Research done without clear controls or quantifiable results. They also touch on several controversies going back as far as Death Race 2000 and Mortal Kombat, to recent events such as the DC Sniper, Columbine and the VA Tech shootings.
The APA originally drafted a white paper of their "findings" and Kutchner and Olsen refute the results rather emphatically.

As mentioned elsewhere in the thread, this was my screwup---I confused that work for something else (and oddly enough, I can't remember what the something else is that I confused it for, but I'd know it if I heard it.)

My bad. Epic fail on my part.

 

[JourneyMan88]

Sorry 'bout that, just got home from midnight TRON viewing and checked my messages. Also, last week of school before X-mas break and I've been SUPER busy.
It's all good.

 

[SL33TBL1ND]

So to gamers I guess this could seem like a silly topic. Video games often portray acts of violence -- and part of that is because games are influenced by real life which I must say, is pretty damn violent. :| I personally do not believe that video games cause more violence. However, certain studies show that violent video games can lead to youth aggression, addictive behavior and can cause players to desensitize from violence in the real world.

But for everyone of these studies there are about six debunking these claims, just thought you should know. Also most studies supporting the correlation between video games and things you described are funded by parties that would very much like to see games banned all over the world.

Now onto the rest:

Just the other day I was playing RE4 and my roommate came home and was shocked that I was sitting on the couch killing what to her resembled humans. She scolded me and told me I shouldn't kill people even in games, 'they aren't people they are zombies!', I insisted to no avail.(I didn't bother to go into depth on the whole las plagas thing) At any rate, her reaction got me thinking about other people's opinion on the matter.

To those of you who play video games featuring graphic violence, criminal behavior, gore, sex, nudity and portrayal of other deviant behavior, answer me this.

Why do you game?
Is there a genre or style of game you prefer? Why that genre? -- Are you drawn to the violent/ provocative themes? If yes, why?
Are you addicted?
Does gaming cause you to be anti-social or do you game as a social activity?
Do you think video games can lead to an increase in aggression or criminal/deviant behavior?

And any other opinions you might have on the topic. C:

I hope to hear from all ages and all different sorts of gamers.

In my own personal opinion, I feel as though our society is corrupt and placing the blame on video games is just another way to avoid dealing with the actual problem.

I haven't worked out exactly what I want to do with the paper, but I figured getting some input might help me along. At the very rate it is better than sitting around staring at the internet mindlessly. >>

1st question: Why do I game? I game because I enjoy it, it relaxes, and exhilaration me.

2nd question: Genre or style? I don't have to many preferences in this area. I don't enjoy racing sims or fighting games in general, but there are exceptions. Eveything else, I enjoy.

3rd question: Am I addicted? Of course not, video game addiction is a tiny problem blown out of proportion by anti-gaming media outlets

4th question: Social impacts? I play regular organised games of COD and Starcraft with friends while voice chatting on Skype. I play games of Dawn of War with my father. Gaming is generally a social experience, that's not to say I don't game by myself, it can also serve as some good "me time".

5th question: As I've already addressed, the evidence that it has no effect far outweighs the evidence that it does. In fact, most studies find that it has a cathartic effect, like say, punching a pillow. What the people who blame video games for violent behaviour fail to recognise is that kids are smart, they know the difference between the video game and reality.

If you have any other questions, just ask. I'm happy to help.

Wow, lot's of text there.

 

[pharaoh malik]

Thank you all for your responses it's been very helpful. I'm putting my paper together now and if I have any questions I will let you know! C:

<3