Ethics in Games

[Jeff-20]

I had an idea for a game with an ethical issue. It involved shooting a dog or a police officer. Would you have problems playing a game with behavior you find morally repulsive? Even if the overall meaning of the game is not?

[PaulQ]

I had an idea for a game with an ethical issue. It involved shooting a dog or a police officer. Would you have problems playing a game with behavior you find morally repulsive? Even if the overall meaning of the game is not?

If it means shooting pigs dressed in LAPD uniforms, I don't see the problem... (reference: Duke Nukem 3D).

Honestly, if it's just a game, what's the harm?

[orion70]

I don't think the European or the American Parents Association will have anything to complain about - in this case the platform is WAY too old, and so are the players...

[hawk]

I didn't have any problems with the pigs in uniform, but I can't say that I've come to grips with Grand Theft Auto. Maybe having kids has changed my outlook somewhat.

[Iltanen]

No, it's just a game. I still hope it's not as bad as Atari games : D Custer's Revenge anyone?

[carlsson]

As long as Jeff doesn't mix those games and makes one where you need to have sex with a dog.

[pitcalco]

No. It's a game and therefore a fantasy.

I guess this is an old debate both in games and in movies. For all the controversy of the past, I cannot offhand think of a single game or movie promoting a bad ethics - even if they are explicit in some ways in depicting characters with bad ethics.

[ral-clan]

Generally, games that require you to do something really vile leave a bad taste in my mouth, and I don't play them.

If it's an Ultima type game, and a wild dog or rat attacks you, okay then I will fight them.

But those first-person shoots where you just kill everything and there's lots of blood...I usually pass on those.

[pitcalco]

Generally, games that require you to do something really vile leave a bad taste in my mouth, and I don't play them.

Personally, I have not seen any like that, but if I did I would likely have the same reaction - just leave them aside.

I have even played games where one is a gangster or criminal etc, but it is clear that one is playing the bad guy and thus do not encourage bad ethics.

[Wonder-Boy]

@Jeff-20
Yes, but if it fit the character, say it was a mafia member following a mafia code of ethics, then it would be fine in my opinion.

[gklinger]

I have no problem with the dog or cop thing but if you bring cats into it I'll be out front picketing before you know what happened.

[formater]

Is better not kill animals or polices in the games, but a game is a GAME not real life.

[PaulQ]

I have no problem with the dog or cop thing but if you bring cats into it I'll be out front picketing before you know what happened.

I take it, you don't like this game then...
http://www.addictinggames.com/killakitty2.html

[gklinger]

[ral-clan]

I feel slightly rotten when I have to kill the "Filthy Looking Street Urchin" in Amiga Moria (Angband / Rogue variation).

The only game I can think of where ethics are central to the game-play was Ultima 4: Quest of the Avatar. Behaving according to a code of ethics was central to the game. Deviating from this code could be done, but it was detrimental to the character's development.

From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultima_IV

The object of the game is to focus on the main character's development in virtuous life, and become a spiritual leader and an example to the people of the world of Britannia. The game follows the protagonist's struggle to understand and exercise the Eight Virtues. After proving his or her understanding in each of the virtues, locating several artifacts and finally descending into the dungeon called the Stygian Abyss to gain access to the Codex of Ultimate Wisdom, the protagonist becomes an Avatar.