Playing With Ethics: Video Game Controversy

Introduction to Gaming Ethics Video games are widely played for entertainment and amusement; in addition, they can act as an aid in relieving stress. Due to advancing technology, video games have evolved and grown into a large empire impacting those within this realm. Thus many ethical issues are brought to our attention due to this development. As a result, we should recognize how new video games are ethically affecting people who play them. The ethical issues of video gaming that influences many people include: violence, rating, education, stereotyping against women, community and addiction. Ultimately, each topic is linked to violence involved in video games. It is the players‟ responsibility to be aware of the negative effects of video gaming. However, the gaming industry should also take part in some social responsibilities as well. What they develop and sell can affect people positively or negatively. For this reason, both the gamers and the gaming industry should acknowledge the ethical issues regarding video gaming, and both need to address these ethical concerns accordingly. Although video games can have many positives, they can also affect gamers in a harmful way.