Games Can Make Us Cry

A study by Bowen Research is getting some commentary in the gaming press, with their analysis being that "More than two thirds of all video gamers feel that video games already surpass, or will soon at least equal movies, music and books in delivering an emotional impact." The Guardian Gamesblog has a look at the research. From the article: "Of course it could be argued that RPGs simply attract more emotionally unstable gamers, and that if these same players were forced to try Microsoft Flight Simulator, they'd cry like babies when their Cessna crashed into a pylon during a failed runway approach. Sadly, Bowen does not appear to explore this possibility."

Comments

Re:Emotions from games? duh!

[Lisandro]

Personally, the only game that managed to scare me shitless was System Shock 2. That game was excellent in many levels, and one was its superb atmosphere.

    Never cried with a game though :)

Re:Top Four Moments

[Gulthek]

Play the IFF game 'Photopia' now. It's moving, you will be moved.

Seriously.

Here, have a link to the game even.

Post the source, instead of inaccurate blogs

[Red Flayer]

FTA:"More than two thirds of all video gamers feel that video games already surpass, or will soon at least equal movies, music and books in delivering an emotional impact."

Here's a link to Bowen's write-up of the research:
http://www.bowenresearch.com/studies.php?d=3

This is a survey of a subset of gamers, whom Bowen was able to survey online. "Surveyed gamers" cannot be extrapolated to "all gamers."

66% is not more than 2/3. For that matter, "has the potential to equal or surpass" != "will soon be at least equal".

Guardian Gamesblog needs some help getting their facts straight. They should have also referenced the source of their blog entry.

I would also guess that two-thirds of avid book readers think books have a greater potential for emotional stimulation. Ditto for movies amongst avid movie-watchers.