by Timothy Hoarwood

Created on: July 12, 2009   Last Updated: July 18, 2009

In the overwhelming majority of cases, games have absolutely no effect on our behaviour. However, there are certain circumstances under which an individual can be influenced by games.

Before I continue, it is important to consider how far gaming as a form of media has come. From tiny coloured dots, to extremely realistic three-dimensional environments, there is no doubt that it is simple to present violence in extreme detail, often with a high level of realism. However, it is also important to consider that this increased capacity to present detail allows the aftermath and consequences of violence to be depicted. The game mechanics behind modern games are many times more complex than their digital ancestors, with every action taken by the player loaded with potential consequences. You cannot simply massacre innocent citizens in the cities of modern Role Playing Games, nor can you run over thousands of pedestrians in the controversial Grand Theft Auto without raising an eyebrow. In such titles, the world will alter, often negatively, as powerful agents of law enforcement attack the player on sight and normally friendly characters refuse to interact with them.

Another factor worth considering is that many people's perception of games is somewhat tainted by the media's obsessive demonetisation of video games. One notable incident involves a major news channel reporting graphics, controllable sex in a game designed for teenagers. The newsreader at the time later apologised, as it was discovered that this "graphic sex scene " involved seeing an uncovered buttock for about three seconds before the screen faded to black. In another case, a certain American barrister, by the name of Jack Thompson, made it his personal crusade to blame every instance of violence on video games and publicise his cause in the media. Thankfully, he has now been debarred and discredited. However, the damage is done. Gaming is still seen as something which can turn innocent children into psychopaths.

I also find it quite incredible that games can be considered so violent, whilst the much more lenient rating of films allows scenes of extreme and protracted violence to take their place in the 15 and even 12 rated films of today. For example, in the recent film 'Public Enemies', there is a slow-motion close-up of the protagonist being shot through the back of the head, leaving little to the imagination. In contrast, the 18-rated game title 'Far Cry 2'is considerably less violent, with

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