Final Project

Violence in Online Gaming: Pushing the Limits

Abstract

A growing trend in the Internet Revolution involves using the Internet for entertainment purposes, specifically playing video games (also known in the Web world as online gaming). Many of today’s computer and video games contain questionable content, including slavery, lynchings, world wars, concentration camps, Nazi experiments, the cold war, race riots, and nuclear war, just to name a few. Three such games, which which have made recent headlines and are discussed in my paper include Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (where players steal and murder to avenge the death of one's mother), JFK Reloaded (where players sit in the grassy knoll waiting for JFK to roll by at which time they attempt to "recreate" the assassination of the president), and Ethnic Cleansing (where players thin the world's population by hunting and killing Blacks, Latinos, and Jews). These games are rated for maturity, but this does not keep them out of the hands of young viewers and players. Though violence is commonplace due to other types of media including television and film, the interactivity of these games could be potentially more harmful. I used a variety of sites and articles for background information on video and online gaming trends. This information came from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), NYU School of Law, Anti-defamation League, Media Awareness Network, Safety Ed International, ABC News, and CNN.com. My conclusion is that many developers are creating games with little consideration or respect for viewers, the rating system is acceptable but not fully enforced, and the responsibility of moderation and understanding lies with the parents. It is important that parents and children discuss games and their content, monitor time online, and incorporate other healthy activities to decrease exposure to violence and alleviate concern regarding violence and online games.

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