"Despite the emergence of computer games as a
dominant cultural industry (and the accompanying emergence of computer
games as the subject of scholarly research), we know little or nothing
about the ethics of computer games. Considerations of the morality of
computer games seldom go beyond intermittent portrayals of them in the
mass media as training devices for teenage serial killers. In this
first scholarly exploration of the subject, Miguel Sicart addresses
broader issues about the ethics of games, the ethics of playing the
games, and the ethical responsibilities of game designers. He argues
that computer games are ethical objects, that computer game players are
ethical agents, and that the ethics of computer games should be seen as
a complex network of responsibilities and moral duties. Players should
not be considered passive amoral creatures; they reflect, relate, and
create with ethical minds. The games they play are ethical systems,
with rules that create gameworlds with values at play.
Drawing on concepts from philosophy and game studies, Sicart proposes a framework for analyzing the ethics of computer games as both designed objects and player experiences. After presenting his core theoretical arguments and offering a general theory for understanding computer game ethics, Sicart offers case studies examining single-player games (using Bioshock as an example), multiplayer games (illustrated by Defcon), and online gameworlds (illustrated by World of Warcraft) from an ethical perspective. He explores issues raised by unethical content in computer games and its possible effect on players and offers a synthesis of design theory and ethics that could be used as both analytical tool and inspiration in the creation of ethical gameplay." (MIT Press)
Drawing on concepts from philosophy and game studies, Sicart proposes a framework for analyzing the ethics of computer games as both designed objects and player experiences. After presenting his core theoretical arguments and offering a general theory for understanding computer game ethics, Sicart offers case studies examining single-player games (using Bioshock as an example), multiplayer games (illustrated by Defcon), and online gameworlds (illustrated by World of Warcraft) from an ethical perspective. He explores issues raised by unethical content in computer games and its possible effect on players and offers a synthesis of design theory and ethics that could be used as both analytical tool and inspiration in the creation of ethical gameplay." (MIT Press)
I can't wait to read this. Miguel's book will be released in May 2009 by MIT Press.
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