Apparently there is an infamous violent video game out there I have not heard of to date. I personally enjoy video games enough that I have a general idea of what is out there, even if I don’t play the variety of graphically violent video games that seem to be popular these days amongst teenage boys.
The name of the game: Manhunt
Release date: April 20, 2004
Average customer review ratings on Amazon.com: 4.4 out of 5 stars
The cover of the game, despite being blurred out slightly, is rather graphic and disturbing. The image appears to be eyes staring through a hockey mask and covered in blood. According to Amazon statistics, this title is sometimes purchased in combination with a title called “The Suffering.” I don’t know about anyone else, but it gives me a rather sick feeling to know there are people out there that enjoy mindless, graphic violence so much that they would purchase either one of these titles, much less both! And the fact that is has such good ratings from 42 people is troubling as well.
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| Picture by Ricce From Wikimedia Commons |
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| Picture by The Anome From Wikimedia Commons |
According to a CNN.com article, “Manhunt…is described by its promoters as a ‘sado-masochistic’ game in which players gain extra points depending on the viciousness of their killings.” This same article goes on to talk about the case of Warren LeBlanc, a British boy who was accused of sneaking up behind a younger friend, Stephan Pakeerah, and using a claw hammer and knife to beat and stab the boy to death.
Stefan’s father is quoted in the article making the comparison between the game and the murder, saying the game’s theme was killing people with hammers and knives. Whether or not you believe media can influence violence, the similarities between the murder committed by this teenager and the game he was reportedly obsessed with is enough to make you uneasy. After all, games just as violent as Manhunt are overwhelmingly popular among teenage males. It may not cause most to act out this violently, but all it takes is for that one wrong person to play a game like this for a life to be lost. And even the ones who do not go out and murder have often been proven to be more aggressive after exposure.
Here is an additional resource for anyone interested. A very informative report by Joseph Strayhorn, M.D. on media violence I found very easy and enjoyable to read. It breaks down results of studies into effects violent video games are likely to have on children and teenagers. It touches on things such as rewarded and heroic violence, and what this can teach. I highly recommend!
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Next post I will devote entirely to the other side of the argument. Is media violence a form of artistic expression?
Personally, I have always found violent video games slightly more disturbing than violent movies. I think it's because there is a level of participation and thoughtful intent in the video game but the movies are a passive participation. The level of goriness in both is often beyond what I think a 'normal' person can handle.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! I have not considered that particular point, but it is something to consider. Active participation can be much more problematic than passive consideration.
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