Critical Investigation Homework Due: Thursday 10th November 2011

How and why is violence so prevalent in modern videogames, and should audiences be better protected from it through censorship?

Level Four Criteria:


Level 4
(37-48 marks)


(1)A fluent and analytical investigation which explores the chosen topic from a clear, autonomous 
and critical perspective, (2)making use of extensive and wide-ranging research which has clearly 
been employed in the investigation and detailed in the bibliography,(3) making use of a wide range 
of academic, media and contextual sources. (4)The investigation demonstrates sophisticated 
research and engagement with the primary text(s) and a range of secondary texts. (5)It is well 
presented with a very detailed bibliography/source list (AO4).

Ex:

Violence has always been the ‘Devil’s advocate’ of new mediums of entertainment; all embryonic forms of media have had to weather criticism about their portrayal of violence, ranging from books (take for instance (4)The Lord of the Flies or The Colour Purple, both frequently banned from American schools for their seemingly excessive violent content) to movies (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2 comes to mind, and was banned in Australia until 2006(2). It is interesting to note that the Australian government seem to have a certain penchant for banning media texts), lending credence to the notion that video games are merely experiencing the beginnings of their journey to respectability (and therefore are frequently the source of recent moral panics). It could be argued that games do not face criticism due to their violent content, but rather simply because they are games; countless (3)film-makers, artists and authors have tackled difficult subjects such as violence (among others such as sexuality and hatred) and have been critically acclaimed for these works because they dared to explore humanity’s dark side.(1) Due to this, one could make the argument that games should not be censored as they are simply under criticism with the same ‘knee-jerk’ attitude that has plagued mediums before now, mediums which have gone on to produce some of the most telling and intriguing narratives ever witnessed.

(5) Bibliography

Works Cited

Books:

Shaw, B. (1893). Mrs. Warren's Profession. Champaign, Ill.: Project Gutenberg.

Nielsen, S., Smith, J. H., & Tosca, S. P. (2008). Video Game Culture. Understanding video games: the essential introduction (p. 138). New York: Routledge.

Newspapers and Magazines:

Marketing Violent Entertainment to Children: A Review of Self-Regulation and Industry Practices in the Motion Picture, Music Recording & Electronic Game Industries, Appendix A - "A Review of Research on the Impact of Violence in Entertainment Media" (Sept. 2000)

Violent virtual video games and hostile thoughts. (2004, September 1). Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media, 1, 1.

Internet:

The Entertainment Software Association - Industry Facts. (n.d.). The Entertainment Software Association - Home Page.      Retrieved January 17, 2011, from http://www.theesa.com/facts/index

Benichou, P. (n.d.). » International Reviews Philippe Benichou Artist Blog. The Art of Philippe Benichou - Original Paintings - Limited Editions - Official Web Site. Retrieved January 24, 2011, from http://philippebenichou.com/blog/?page_id=150

Video Games and Violence - Art Carden - Mises Daily. (n.d.). Ludwig von Mises Institute - Homepage. Retrieved January 31, 2011, from http://mises.org/daily/3528

Moving-image texts:

Kubrick, S. (Director). (1987).Full Metal Jacket [Motion picture]. U.S.A.: Warner Home Video.

Bulletstorm Trailer (Epic Games, 2010, USA)

(1)The investigation demonstrates sophisticated knowledge and understanding of media 
concepts, contexts and critical debates relevant to the chosen area of investigation. (2)The work 
contextualises the study and the linked production piece effectively within the contemporary 
media landscape (AO1).


Ex: 

(1)However, the question remains as to why violence is so prevalent in the gaming medium and more importantly what effect it has on the players that are exposed to it. With regards to its overwhelming frequency in games, we must acknowledge that “violence has been a subject in literature and the arts since the beginning of human civilization.” One could argue that as humans we are intrigued by violence, and it is probable that this fascination “satisfies some basic human needs. The adrenalin rush, the satisfactions of imagination, fantasy, and vicarious adventure, probably explain why millions of nonviolent people enjoy violent entertainment.”In this sense, one could argue that violent games may actually serve to be therapeutic as they provide an outlet for this carnal violent intrigue we all seem to possess. (2)Furthermore, regarding the impact this violence has, it is said that “because the mass media presents violence in so many different ways (news, sports, action movies, cartoons, horror movies, documentaries, war stories with pacifist themes), it is particularly difficult to generalize about its impact. Even social scientists who believe that violent entertainment has adverse effects don't agree on what kinds of violent images or ideas are harmful.” This is evidence that the zeitgest has advanced and the intellectuals of present have taken a more open and accepting stance on violence in media texts.