Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant has published a longread article investigating the pleasures of blood and violence in games. In it, two Utrecht researchers reflect on the way violence has become part of the gameplay experience, and how it may also affect them.

The article opens with the observation that many of the top selling games have themes and content which does not shy away from certain types of violence. It continues to ask why violent content is apparently so rewarding for players, and wonders why players get used to it so quickly?

In the following discussion games researcher René Glas reflects on the perception of transgression like acting violently in a game depends on expectations players have about games. Certain types of violence are seen as normalized, as part of the gameplay experience and therefor pleasures of playing games. Other forms are deemed unwelcome because they deviate from norms and expectations.

Media psychologist Ewa Miedzobrodzka, who among other things studies the effects of games on their players, continues to discuss violence in games from the perspective of moral decoupling. In the context of a game, violence makes sense to achieve goals. She also provides an update on current studies on the effects of violent videogames on players, which also looks at the external factors related to problematic media use.

The article provides interesting examples of games which play with the notion of violence in games, offering players critical reflection on their actions.

The article was published both in print as well as online – both in Dutch. The full online version can be found on the website of De Volkskrant.

Top image by Activision, editing by Studio V