Video game controversies

Video game controversies refers to a wide range of debates on the social effects of video games on players and broader society, as well as debates within the video game industry. Since the early 2000s, advocates of video games have emphasized their use as an expressive medium, arguing for their protection under the laws governing freedom of speech and also as an educational tool. Detractors argue that video games are harmful and therefore should be subject to legislative oversight and restrictions. The positive and negative characteristics and effects of video games are the subject of scientific study. Academic research has examined the links between video games and addiction, aggression, violence, social development, and a variety of stereotyping and sexual morality issues. Violence and video games Video games since their inception have been the subject of concern due to the depictions of violence they may contain, which have heightened as the technology behind video games improve the amount of visual detail and realism of games. Video games are often seen as a possible cause to violent actions, notably in the aftermath of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, but academic studies have yet to identify solid evidences linking violence in video games and violent behavior. The American Psychological Association stated, in 2015, that a correlation between the use of violent video games and aggressive behavior was observed. However, it was noted, "the interpretations of these effects have varied dramatically, contributing to the public debate about the effects of violent video games." In 2017, Division 46 (Society for Media Psychology and Technology) of the American Psychological Association stated that "Scant evidence has emerged that makes any causal or correlational connection between playing violent video games and actually committing violent activities." Despite the lack of solid evidence and academic consensus, politicians and activists have sought for ways to restrict the sale of violent video games, particularly to minors, on the basis that they can lead to violent behavior.

About this result

This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.

Related concepts (16)

Related courses (5)

Related lectures (29)

Video game controversies

First-person shooter

First-person shooter (FPS) is a sub-genre of shooter video games centered on gun and other weapon-based combat in a first-person perspective, with the player experiencing the action through the eyes of a protagonist or antagonist which is armed, and then controlling the player character in a three-dimensional space. The genre shares common traits with other shooter games, and in turn falls under the action game genre. Since the genre's inception, advanced 3D and pseudo-3D graphics have challenged hardware development, and multiplayer gaming has been integral.

Video game development

Video game development (or gamedev) is the process of developing a video game. The effort is undertaken by a developer, ranging from a single person to an international team dispersed across the globe. Development of traditional commercial PC and console games is normally funded by a publisher and can take several years to reach completion. Indie games usually take less time and money and can be produced by individuals and smaller developers.

ME-104: Introduction to structural mechanics

The student will acquire the basis for the analysis of static structures and deformation of simple structural elements. The focus is given to problem-solving skills in the context of engineering desig

HUM-380: Video games and gamification

Ce cours propose d'acquérir des compétences en étude du jeu vidéo et en game design, tout en invitant les étudiant.e.s à mettre leurs connaissances au service d'un projet collectif de gamification d'u

HUM-304: Video games and society

Ce cours constitue une introduction à l'approche sociologique de la culture à travers l'analyse du secteur des jeux vidéo. Il mobilise les principales approches de l'analyse de la production et des pu

The Longing: A Journey of Reflection HUM-241: Science and literature A

Delves into the captivating power of boredom in 'The Longing' video game, fostering introspection and contemplation.

Gender and Video Games HUM-304: Video games and society

Examines gender differences in video game practices and the sociability of players across different age groups.

Theoretical Foundations for Emerging Multiprocessor Technologies: RDMA and NVRAM

Explores theoretical foundations for RDMA and NVRAM in multiprocessor technologies, covering contention, concurrency control, and fault tolerance.