Violence in Videogames: What Are The Pleasures?

• NCJ Number: 150871
• Author(s): J Saxe
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 25 pages
• Corporate Author: University of Massachusetts; Greenfield Community College
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Conference Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: This paper was presented at the International Conference on Violence in the Media: Prospects for Change, held on October 3-4, 1994, in New York City. The conference was sponsored by St. John's University.

Annotation

The playing of video games by adolescent males is explored.

Abstract

This study seeks to understand the videogaming experience from the perspective of the players themselves. Data was derived from interviews and visual documentation conducted with 18 male players primarily between the ages of 17 to 20. The general goals of the questions were to allow players to offer interpretations of their experiences in their own terms and to understand the sense of thrill expressed by players in relation to highly exaggerated, on- screen violent fantasy play. Results of the study indicate that the playing of video games allow male adolescent players to experience visceral feelings that simulate male- gendered fantasies of violence and power. The games provide a kind of power fix where for a brief moment, young men may play out super-hero fantasies of violent destruction and subjugation. They may invert feelings of frustration, powerlessness and general lack of meaning into positions of authority where they may express aggression and gain a sense of accomplishment. 19 references