Backstage
Menu
Students respond to violence in video games
By Jana ZisetteCall of Duty, a first person shooter video game, has been a success ever since it was released in 2003. The hit video game is a series that includes many different versions of the same type of game, with each new release being more violent than the last. The game is directed to be played for ages 18+, but the controversy is to whether this age restriction is applied, and how the violence in the game is followed into the lives of those that play this game. The Call of Duty website describes one of its versions as “a breathtaking experience that redefines World War II for a new gaming generation. Land in Normandy on D-Day and battle across Europe through iconic locations in history’s most monumental war. Experience class Call of Duty combat, the bonds of camaraderie, and the unforgiving nature of war. “ The research found in our survey shows that 91% of those who were surveyed believed that on a scale of one to five, one being the least violent, and five being the most violent, the violence in Call of Duty was at a three or above. Among those surveyed, Shea Sullivan, sophomore at Gonzaga University, played Call of Duty growing up a lot, and rated it at a 4.5, saying that it is one of the most violent video games around. “Compared to Fortnite and the other video games I play, the graphics in Call of Duty are hard to beat. It’s a realistic video game that can be very violent, especially as a kid,” Shea said. Similarly, Michael Bacich, also a sophomore at Gonzaga University, says that Call of Duty has a competitive aspect that all of his friends loved when they were in middle school. He says the game was definitely violent, but he thinks that as long as the parents are okay with it, having young kids play this game is fine. When asked if they thought the violence from the video game could be transferred to having violent intentions in real life, they said that playing has never affected them personally, but see how it could have the potential to affect others. “In general, I think that it’s just a video game and it’s over dramatisized. But, I do think it’s all about your mental stability, and if kids are playing it who aren’t mentally stable, then it could have an affect on their behavior in real life,” Bacich said. CNN reports that the American Academy of Pediatrics announced that there have been more than 400 studies that show a “significant” link between being exposed to violent media and aggressive behavior, aggressive thoughts and aggressive feelings. According to BBC News, one of the student shooters in the Columbine High School massacre in 1999 used a gun that he called “Arlene”. This is allegedly named from a character in a book inspired by the computer game “Doom”. CNN also reports that an 18-year-old shooter who killed nine people in July 2016 was an avid player of shooter video games. However, a survivor of a high school shooting in February, said that he grew up playing violent first person shooting video games, but would never dream of taking the lives of his peers. While there is data to prove that the relation between violent video games and violence in real life is apparent, this only relates to a select few who actually become violent from playing these games, out of the millions of players that play Call of Duty, and other violent games. Call of Duty is arguably one of the most violent and realistic video games available to play. The debate of how the game affects the real life violence of those that play is likely not something that will end anytime soon. However, as it continues, it is important to stay active in understanding the debate, and be watchful of the ties between violence in real life and video games, movies, and media as a whole.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorsAlly Legard ArchivesCategories |