Biases in Simulation Video Games

Orsonwarcry writes "Kieron Gillen went to Prague to speak to Bohemia Interactive, known best for Operation Flashpoint. He goes on to discuss the effects of bias on simulation games. 'In other words, a simulation is never just a simulation. Equally, freedom is rarely actually free of designer- imposed desires. Even in games with the most self-expressed mandates of "choice" for the gamer, it doesn't mean that there isn't a message. In Deus Ex, the generally politically liberal Ion Storm Austin created a world where you could choose between violence and pacifistic approaches, but the charismatic characters urged you towards peace while the monsters suggested violence.'" Some interesting stuff in there.

Comments

Re:Bias in the player too?

[pete-classic]

I suspect that you have mistaken me for a Christian, and that has clouded your perspective.

I'll accept that I can't be perfectly pigeonholed. In fact, I'll accept it gladly and take it as a sign that my brain is functioning.

On the other hand, what kind of "old-world conservative" is for across the board decriminalization of substances, the decriminalization of prostitution, and reducing the size of the standing army with an eye to dissolving it altogether?

-Peter