Moral complexity in videogames : a pragmatist approach

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dc.contributor.authorHanussek, Benjamin
dc.contributor.institutionEscola de Comunicação, Arquitetura, Artes e Tecnologias da Informação
dc.date.issued2023-01-01
dc.descriptionInternational Journal of Games and Social Impact
dc.description.abstractThe field of videogame ethics has already achieved a differentiated view on many ethical questions in regards to videogames, their players and the industry. However, most of these approaches have neglected the benefits of a less abstract, more pragmatic view on videogame ethics. Thus, in this paper, I will introduce the concept of moral complexity to formulate a device that allows a pragmatic identification, categorisation, discussion, and design of moral content in videogames. Moral complexity is defined as (or by) the degree to which a game offers alternatives and/or commentary to violence and deceit to players and is exclusively referring to how the issue of morality is implemented in past and contemporary game design. It is a reductionist approach, which treats morality as a game design element and shall help to understand the experience of morality in a closed player/game circuit. To introduce and explain the notion of moral complexity, this paper will begin with a brief overview of fundamental developments and perspectives in the field of videogame ethics. Further, moral complexity is introduced based on a rendering of Kantian metaphysics into virtual space. Then, elements of Aristotle’s ethics, Csikszentmihalyi’s concept of flow and Habermas’ principles of communicative action are defined to articulate the phenomenological aspect of experiencing moral complexity in game. Based on these theoretical building blocks, a comprehensive definition of moral complexity is presented. To illustrate this construct, cases of videogames (Grand Theft Auto V, Spec Ops: The Line and Detroit: Become Human) are introduced to exemplify different degrees and manifestations of moral complexity in contemporary game design. Moreover, a discussion on issues shall forward a differentiated picture of the concept. In the end, a conclusion presents prospects and chances for the notion of moral complexity.en
dc.description.statusNon peer reviewed
dc.formatapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.citationHanussek , B 2023 , ' Moral complexity in videogames : a pragmatist approach ' , International Journal of Games and Social Impact .
dc.identifier.issn2975-8386
dc.language.isoeng
dc.publisherLusofona University
dc.relation.ispartofInternational Journal of Games and Social Impact
dc.rightsopenAccess
dc.subjectAUDIOVISUAL
dc.subjectARTE
dc.subjectJOGOS
dc.subjectIMPACTO SOCIAL
dc.subjectMORAL
dc.subjectÉTICA
dc.subjectVIDEOJOGOS
dc.subjectART
dc.subjectGAMES
dc.subjectSOCIAL IMPACT
dc.subjectMORALITY
dc.subjectETHICS
dc.titleMoral complexity in videogames : a pragmatist approachen

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International Journal of Games and Social Impact, Vol. 1, Nº. 1 (2023)