Violent Videogames

Hello all, Yet another blog post complaining.. yipee. Most of my blog posts only exist because I was already peeved about something, and decided to get it out of my system. 

Since the creation of games like DOOM (1993), POSTAL (1992), Duke Nukem (1991), along other games of similar nature, there's been debating of if violent games create violent people. This argument became extremely prevalent especially after the Columbine massacre, in 1999. Both Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold were big fans of the game DOOM, and many people started demonizing violent videogames and fans of them, because they believe that because they like killing online, they will enjoy killing real people. These people often are against the sale of violent games, because they believe that they are the source of violent people. They use the 'If A, then B' thought process; "If someone likes violent games, then they will become violent." 

But, there's not really solid proof that violent games are THE source of violent gamers. They can inspire them or amplify their thoughts of harming others, but in most studies, these people already experience violent thoughts, or issues with anger control before they play the games. (Sources are listed at bottom of page) While the games indeed can amplify these ideas, they almost always aren't the very source of the aggression. 

I personally believe instead, 'If B, then A'. If you are already experiencing violent thoughts and ideas, then you will be a fan of violent games. But, I am very much against the censorship of said violent games. Instead of demonizing them and censoring violence in media, there should be more access to mental help for those in need of it, and destigmatize mental health care. While there isn't so much that game developers can do about what their fans do, but they can atleast advise that those who experience struggles with homicidal thoughts or anger should be considerate about their actions and that the game shouldn't reflect real life ideations. Even POSTAL has a notice about that. 

*Notice that this is somewhat unfinished, I am posting what I have but will be adding more later. :-)*

Sources;

Technical Violent Games, PDF

Violent games vs Aggression, Article