Researchers from UNSW Sydney help us understand why the genre is so popular.
Video games are not just a hobby for children or teenagers. People of all ages and genders from all walks of life play them, and they are available in almost every home, handbag and pocket around the world.
But there is one game genre that seems to be more popular than most – violent. While many criticize games such as Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty and Fortnite for their graphic content, few studies have explored why these games are so popular.
Biology and psychology researchers from UNSW Sydney have a theory that could help explain our fascination with violent video games. Drawing on evolutionary psychology and cognitive evaluation theory – a theory that explains the effect of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation – among others, her recent paper, published in Motivation Science, suggests that violent video games resonate with so many of us because they provide opportunities for us to fulfill psychological needs.
“The motivations we have to play violent video games stem from our desire to become better as individuals,” says Associate Professor Michael Kasumovic, one of the study’s co-authors from the School of Psychology, UNSW Science. “They allow us to measure status, assess our abilities relative to others and overcome our fears.”
Simulating social hierarchy and regulating emotions
Although it may be unusual to play video games to meet psychological needs, they do suit our human desires. Autonomy (sense of control), social relatedness (feeling connected to others) and competence (capacity for success) are all motivations for behavior. To see also : 10 Overlooked Video Games in Great Franchises | ScreenRant. Violent video games usually offer all of these – whether it’s choosing a weapon upgrade, working together with other characters or completing objectives or missions.
“Violent video games lend themselves to [our psychological needs] because they are designed in a way that allows us to achieve a sense of control and achievement, and they help us figure out where we sit in a social hierarchy [based on our performance and them],” A/Prof. Kasumovic says.
According to the research, violent video games also allow players to experience dangerous situations – types we are unlikely to face in real life – in a safe environment, as well as to regulate our emotions.
Violent video games allow us to satisfy our psychological needs. Photo: Shutterstock.
In fact, why we play violent video games might be similar to some of the reasons we play sports. At their core, they are a way of aggressive behavior and our innate drive to manage competition in a socially acceptable way.
“Violent video games help us explore our fears around death and can help with the expression of emotions, especially anger,” A/Prof. Kasumovic says. “In the past, people might have gone outside to play with others. Now we have the means to do this through digital interactions.
Unlike traditional sports, video games can be played and mastered by almost anyone, regardless of physical capacity – it is not physical strength or athletic performance that lends itself to success in these games, but skill and skill level. However, some people are more likely to gamble than others.
Read more: Video gamers exposed to graphic content may see the world differently
The effects of violent video games
Research suggests that people who see themselves as low in social status or those who have unfulfilled desires for dominance (exercising influence or control over others) are more likely to play violent video games. Read also : NPR’s favorite video games for newcomers. The less these needs are met in the real world, the more likely they are to be looked for in a digital search.
“Video games can allow some people to get what they don’t get in the real world – like increased feelings of self-esteem and social ranking,” A/Prof. Kasumovic says. “Thus, people from low-status groups may be more attracted to playing violent video games because of a desire to gain higher status that they may be able to achieve in the game.”
Violent video games, especially online multiplayer, are designed to encourage improved performance through matchmaking levels and leveling up. At the extremes, this is thought to encourage pathological gambling – or video game addiction – where games continue despite negative real-world consequences.
Compulsive video gaming can be detrimental to an individual’s ability to function in the real world. Photo: Unsplash.
“You get immediate feedback on the result of your performance, and there is a positive feedback loop that drives you to play more, because you want to improve in the game and improve your standing against others,” A/Prof. Kasumovic says. “That can be problematic when it takes over your life and reduces your capacity for self-care, and we think some people are more susceptible than others.”
Whether the effects of psychological fulfillment from violent video games can carry over into everyday life is another question—one that interests researchers. Her future research will also examine the prosocial effects that violent video games have on leadership and teamwork.
“We hope that the research will help broaden people’s thoughts, perspectives and understanding around video games, because they are complex. They are not going away. If anything, [the landscape] will only intensify,” A/ Prof. Kasumovic says.
