Make Games, Not War

Make Games, Not War Jesse Schell

A Simple Survey1) In terms of their ability to change people’s behavior, video games are: a) Less powerful than other media b) More powerful than other media2) Videogames tend to change people: a) For the worse b) For the better

Now the hard question3) Playing videogames tends to make people: a) More likely to reason and promote peace b) More likely to fight and promote war c) Neither d) I have no idea

Why are videogames so violent?• A world where… – You can do anything – No one gets hurt – Verbal communication is awkward or impossible

Opinion ScorecardPeace War • Violence comes easily

Is simulated violence bad?

Jackie KashianIt’s true that there are plenty of videogames that tinychildren shouldn’t play. I am a grown up lady, and I need toshoot people.I think It’s best if it occurs fictionally.

Videogame Revenues30252015 Billions of US Revenues10 5 0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Violent Crime3.5 32.5 21.5 Millions of Violent Crimes 10.5 0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Opinion Scorecard Peace War• Catharsis • Inherently violent

Desensitization to Violence

Opinion Scorecard Peace War• Catharsis • Violence comes easily • Desensitization to violence

Opinion Scorecard Peace War• Catharsis • Violence comes easily • Desensitization to violence • Videogames train you to kill

“Exploring, in a safe and controlled context, what is impossible or too dangerous orforbidden is a crucial tool in accepting the limits of reality. Playing with rage is avaluable way to reduce its power. Being evil and destructive in imagination is a vitalcompensation for the wildness we all have to surrender on our way to being goodpeople.” – Kutner and Olson

Opinion Scorecard Peace War• Catharsis • Inherently violent• Control • Desensitization to violence • Videogames train you to kill

The Orc

Opinion Scorecard Peace War• Catharsis • Violence comes easily• Control • Desensitization to violence • Videogames train you to kill • Humans inherently racist?

Dani Bunten BerryCGDC 1991 CGDC 1992

Opinion Scorecard Peace War• Catharsis • Violence comes easily• Control • Desensitization to violence• No more race / language • Videogames train you to kill barriers? • Humans inherently racist?

Hayley’s Story

Opinion Scorecard Peace War• Catharsis • Violence comes easily• Control • Desensitization to violence• No more race / language • Videogames train you to kill barriers? • Humans inherently racist?• See others POV

What drives real world violence?

Violence is Communication

“Long experience has taught me that thecrux of my fortunes is whether I can radiategood will toward my audience. There is onlyone way to do it and that is to feel it. Youcan fool the eyes and minds of the audience,but you cannot fool their hearts.” - Howard Thurston

“I got into television because Ihated it so. And I thought therewas some way of using thisfabulous instrument to be ofnurture to those who wouldwatch and listen."“I believe that those of uswho are the producers andpurveyors of television -- orvideo games or newspapersor any mass media -- I believethat we are the servants ofthis nation.”

Persuaders Fulfillers Artists Humanitarians

Persuaders

Fulfillers

Artists

Humanitarians

Persuaders Fulfillers Artists Humanitarians

Thanks!Email: jesse@schellgames.com Twitter: @jesseschell Slides: jesseschell.com

Make Games, Not War

by Jesse Schell

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