Virtues and gaming. Yep, they go hand in hand in a variety of ways you might never expect. Video games have transcended into something much more than entertainment. They simulate life and art. Their storytelling aspects reflect upon our realities and our fantasies. And thus, philosophy enters the arena.
Understanding the philosophical implications of gaming is a rather big deal. We’ll explain why.
Philosophy and Gaming: A Brief Overview of Implications
Reflection of Society
Art often reflects society. Look no further than a good book as your guide. They act as cultural stamps. They reflect times of struggles and revolutions and crisis and peace. And they often offer critique over all of it. Games are the new art that plays out similarly.
Here’s a few ways this presents:
Cultural Representation: Many games utilize elements of real world themes and cultures. Sometimes this is through the design of characters, other times its reflected in the storyline. An example are games set in historical periods.
An example of a game that reflects a historical period is Assassin’s Creed, which is during the Third Crusade in 1191 AD.
Technological Advancement: As our society’s technology continues to evolve, we find new tech themes present in gaming. There are games that now leverage AI and space exploration.
No Man’s Sky is an example of a game that uses a space exploration theme. By the way, No Man’s Sky has some super dope graphics.
Moral and Ethical Exploration:
Moral quandaries are a major part of gaming experiences. And they happen in, clearly, lower risk environments. Moral dilemmas can be replicated in gaming over and over unlike real life where constant moral dilemmas would serve people poorly.
Moral choices as a layer of depth to games that is unrivaled in any other art.
Personal Reflection: When faced with a moral dilemma in a game, gamers must consider their real world values. What Remains of Edith Finch is a video game that leverages the power of self reflection. As you play Edith, you explore her family’s home and discover stories about passed away relatives that create inner-turmoil.
Existential Themes: Many games delve deep into themes of existence, purpose, identity, and reality.
By understanding these philosophical aspects, we can further appreciate the bold power that gaming brings our culture. Often when we consider gaming, we think of it as mindless entertainment. But it’s so much more as evidenced by the above factors.
Video games have emerged as far more than simple entertainment. Their profound and complex narratives enter into our personal cultural and moral experiences. Games like “No Man’s Sky” and “What Remains of Edith Finch” are testaments to the evolving depth of this medium.
Next time you pick up that remote control, remember, you’re not just playing a game. You’re simulating real life and entering into a philosophical quandary.