Human values and video games is a correlation that changes drastically from game to game. In Flanagan and Nissenbaum’s Proceedings of CHI 2007, they state, “Games are a cultural medium, carrying embedded beliefs within their representation systems and structures, whether the designers intended them or not.” Embedding certain values in a video game can be a conscious or unconscious decision by the game designer. These values can be a driving force in a game, or play a subtle role. After reading about these values, I wondered: what values are most popular in video games today? How many of these are intentional? I will investigate by looking into the top 5 worldwide best-selling games of the first half of 2008.
1. Grand Theft Auto IV
As mentioned by Flanagan and Nissenbaum, the Grand Theft Auto series is known to include mainly negative themes such as violence, crime, and racism. GTAIV is definitely on the extreme commercial end of the spectrum, though; the game’s primary focus is to provide entertainment rather than to spread values.
2. Super Smash Bros: Brawl
This game contains little to no embedded values, at least no obvious ones. It is an especially popular multiplayer game, so the inclusion of cooperation and teamwork might be considered. These values were probably intentional, as they are sometimes crucial to success in the game.
3. Mario Kart Wii
Similar to Super Smash Bros: Brawl, the Wii’s updated version of Mario Kart contains few values. Teamwork and cooperation are both planned values included in multiplayer modes.
4. Wii Fit
The title that most embodies an “activist” game on this list, Wii Fit is played using a balancing board peripheral. The primary intended value is to promote fitness, something that’s left out of almost all video games.
5. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
This game in the hugely popular Guitar Hero series also uses a unique peripheral device for player interaction: a guitar. Values include creativity, expression, and perhaps a greater sense of musical appreciation. I think Guitar Hero III does the best job out of any of the aforementioned games at embedding positive values in gameplay, while still creating an exciting and fun experience.
Overall, it seems that the most popular games of this year, games that would be considered “mainstream” and “commercial,” still reflect some underlying values. As proven by the millions of copies sold of each, games have become a great way to spread values, however intentional, harmful, or obvious they might be.
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