Violence in Video Games

For years now, professionals of different fields have been debating about violent video games and its effect on the gamers. This paper aims to outline the claims and counterclaims in the debate around video game violence. This paper supports the contention that concerns about video game violence are not legitimate. This paper examines the two main opposing arguments concerned with video game violence. First, it addresses the issues surrounding the debate around video game violence. Second, it examines the literature concerned with this issue. Finally, it discusses some cases related to video game violence like the Columbine High School massacre. Before proceeding, it is appropriate to define the terms video game and violence which are of central importance to this paper.

Video game is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual feedback on a video device. The word video in video game suggests any type of display device. The electronic systems used to play video games are called platforms. The device used to manipulate the game is called a game controller. Video games characteristically use additional means of providing interactivity and information to the player.

According to Merriam Webster’s dictionary, violence means ‘exertion of physical force so as to injure or abuse.’ (Merriam Webster, 2011) Oxford dictionary also defines violence as a ‘behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something.’ (Oxford Dictionary, 2011) However, the word violence is not limited to this definition. It can also be define as a tool of manipulation, probably used by governments or government officials worldwide. It can be a physical argument between two individuals ...

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...Retrieved September 20, 2011, from Merriam Webster: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/violence

Oxford Dictionary. (2011). Violence. Retrieved September 20, 2011, from Oxford Dictionaries: http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/violence

Reichhardt, T. (2003, July 24). Playing with fire. Nature, 424, 367-368.

Sharp, A. (2010, March 11). Video game violence stand-off. Retrieved September 2011, from theage.com.au: http://www.theage.com.au/digital-life/games/video-game-violence-standoff-20100310-pzag.html

Sheese, B. E., & Graziano, W. G. (2005, May). Deciding to Defect: The Effects of Video- Game Violence on Cooperative Behavior. Psychological Science, 16(5), 354-357.

The Sydney Morning Herald. (2008, May 12). Grand Theft Childhood? Retrieved September 2011, from smh.com.au : http://blogs.smh.com.au/digital-life/screenplay/2008/05/12/grandtheftchi1.html