Violent video games is a topic that elicits strong emotions from both gamers and media violence activists, but remains one that resonates little in popular opinion and receives far too little attention in the classroom. The dominant view seems to be that violent video games, like other forms of entertainment violence, are for the most […]
Tag Archives | video games
War Is Not a Video Game – Or Is It?
In this essay, Pat Romano examines the blurring of virtual war and real war for both civilians and soldiers, while some Dawson students look behind the façade of the games they play. ****** “(Before) the weapon comes the image. We think others to death before we invent the battle-axe or ballistic missiles with which to […]
Addressing War Games in the Classroom: Some Useful Classroom Resources
David Leonard’s call for a pedagogy of peace; a useful conversation starter; a teacher’s guide to help students think critically “about video games that play at war”; and some useful videos. ****** “Unsettling the Military Entertainment Complex: Video Games and a Pedagogy of Peace” In this provocative essay, David Leonard suggests that most teachers are […]
From Violent Games to Socially Responsible Ones
Some psychological research on the effects of violent video games; a video interview with David Grossman on how understanding the behavior of soldiers in combat reveals the risks of media violence; some important links on socially responsible gaming. ****** The Effects of Violent Video Games Violence is a complex phenomenon with multiple causes; to create […]
Violence in Another Form: Sexism in Gaming Culture
Despite the fact that women make up a significant and growing percentage of gamers, the virtual world remains dominated by men and women, when represented, are shown in some very stereotypical ways. In several provocative videos, Anita Sarkeesian examines the limited and frequently disturbing images of women in video games. ****** Several years ago, media critic Anita Sarkeesian launched Feminist […]
NISKA: Honouring Traditional Cree Practices…in a Videogame
In this essay, Michelle Smith explains how indigenous voices are rare in gaming culture and describes her inspiring project to develop a video game exploring the rich and honoured tradition of the Cree’s spring goose hunt. ****** Last April I had the privilege of participating in the spring goose hunt with the family of my […]