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Thursday 19 January, 2017
I'm playing this game as part of an "Ethics in Video Games" course I'm taking. Of the list of games we were provided with by our Professor, I chose this game at random. I have to say I'm glad I did. It's had me engaged from the get go, and I've thoroughly enjoyed it thus far. It's a shame really that I hadn't actually heard of it before now.
As for what we've discussed thus far in our class concerning ethics in games, I see nothing unethical or questionable so far in regards to the overall body of work in this game. No misrepresentation of characters, or intentional deception of any sort on the part of Naughty Dog.
So far the only real place to search for any ethics-sensitive material is in the plot of the game itself; the characters and what they're faced with during this catastrophic event. Lives are being lost and endangered all about them, forcing them to decide often on whether to lend aid or not to individuals who find themselves in desperation or distress. You find yourself totally engaged and in the characters' shoes asking "do I help them and jeopardize my own safety or do I leave them and run?". I feel a slight sense of guilt at times because, more often than not, I choose the latter. Does that say something about me as a person? If this plot somehow became a reality would I really act that way? I can't say for sure. I know it's just a video game, but all video games can serve as thought-provoking material. The question is whether or not that material has an actual effect on those who indulge in it. And if so, is it then ethical for Naughty Dog to portray a seemingly real-life situation the way they have in this game (especially if it can have a negative effect on gamers who play it)? I don't know. Stay tuned.
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