The document discusses video games, including why they are popular, who plays them, and why people play them. It explores differences between games and television, issues of game realism and violence, and user-generated content and modifications. The document also examines policy implications of games and arguments that games can promote cooperation and social bonding. It concludes by encouraging readers to play games to have fun and build social connections.

1. On Video Games The research and the reality

2. Why look at games? Games are popular $11.7 billion in sales in 2008 17 hours/week for male 8th graders

3. Why look at games?

4. Why look at games? Dark Knight (entire box office run) $550 million(ish) $550 million MW2 (first 5 days)

5. Why look at games? Who plays games? 67% of homes Avg. gamer 34 y.o. 40% Females

6. Why do people play games? Arousing

7. Why do people play games? For the challenge

8. Why do people play games? For the competition

9. Why do people play games? As a diversion

10. Why do people play games? For the fantasy

11. Why do people play games? For the social aspect

12. So… What’s there to study?

13. Why study games? Games are violent

14. Why study games? Games are violent

15. Why study games? Kids like video games Nintendo 64! OMGz!!!!1!!1!!!one!

16. How are games different from TV? srsly

17. Difference from TV Games are interactive

18. Difference from TV YOU make the decisions Commit to violence Lost? Too bad!

19. Difference from TV Effects increase when you like the perp. Who’s the perp. In games?

20. Difference from TV Effects decrease when you relate to the target Who’s the target in games?

21. Difference from TV Perp. and target depend on skill level

22. Difference from TV BUT! Games aren’t that realistic. Right?

23. Game Realism Okay… you’re just making this shit up as you go

24. Game Realism Games are too unrealistic to effect me! Half Life Battlefield 3

25. Game Realism Does realism matter? Still, games aren’t TV

26. Game Realism Does realism matter? Games are goal oriented

27. Game Realism Does realism matter? The violence is crazy

28. Game Realism Will it ever become real enough? Uncanny valley Meet Emily

29. User-generated content What about ME, dammit!

30. User-generated content (UGC) This stuff is everywhere! All up in your bed!

31. User-generated content (UGC) Games are no exception Modifications (Mods) In game built material

32. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (new games altogether) Garry’s Mod

33. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (new games altogether) Counter Strike

34. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (new games altogether) Oblivion turned Dune Dune!

35. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (the SEX) People like sex

36. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (the SEX) People REALLY like sex

37. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (the SEX) Alex Skin (Half Life 2)

38. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (the SEX) Topless mod (oblivion)

39. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (the SEX) Hot Coffee (GTA)

40. User-generated content (UGC) Mod examples (the SEX) What does this mean for games?

41. Policy Implications I fought the law and…

42. Games and policy Games have negative effects in context Particularly bad for kids

43. Games and policy ESRB to the rescue! Rating board for games Similar to Film

44. Games and policy How is film/movie policy different? What are the laws for kids? Barred from theatres Can’t rent/buy R-rated films

45. Games and policy Game policy is similar to film Minors & M-rated games Illicit sale may equal fines

46. Games and policy How are games different (policy-wise) Reactive to public response

47. Games and policy Public to policy reaction (Oblivion) Topless mod (oblivion)

48. Games and policy Public to policy reaction (GTA) Hot Coffee (GTA)

49. Games and policy Comparison to movies DVD Bonus content isn’t rated

50. Games and policy Comparison to UGC films Reorganize what people say

51. Games and policy Games are different! Manipulate games = punish developers

52. Games and policy Why are games different? Maybe, the ESRB saving face

53. Games and policy Why are games different? Maybe, Moral Panic

54. Games and policy Moral Panic explained Kids love games Parents don’t get games Ignorance = fear Assume worst case scenario Do stupid things to protect kids

55. Games and policy Moral Panic explained Comics Banned games Australia

56. Is there any hope for games! We’re all gonna die!

57. Why you should play games Games and cooperation Games getting more cooperative

58. Why you should play games Games and cooperation Reduces adverse effects

59. Why you should play games New groups are playing games

60. Why you should play games Making the world better for games, because of games Games as art Games aren’t scary Games aren’t evil (for kids)

61. In conclusion… Yay! We’re not all gonna die!

62. Why you should play games Go out and play a game Go build you social bonds And have fun! MotoHeroz!