First Person shooters are one of the most popular genres in our generation, it is also my favourite type to play for years. One of the most popular FPS game franchises is the 'Call of Duty' series which as of February 2012, 40 million players actively play every month, generating billions of dollars every year. Modern Warfare 3's released in November 2011 obtained $1 billion dollars in the first 16 days from release, making it sell stronger than the movie 'Avatar' which took 17 days to reach the same amount.
Although there is a lot of mixed opinions when it comes to the FPS genre, it cannot be denied the affect whether positive or negative, it has on our gamers today. Although in many discussions games such as 'Call of Duty' do generate a lot of bad press based around the content actually within the game. The question of morality is often criticized especially when many are lead to believe it is the reason gamers can be aggressive. I personally think playing FPS is deeper as a genre than people think. Although it is hard for some to establish why we love killing and shooting in games, it is something that has been happening for centuries, especially with the younger generation. Games even before consoles were created, implemented the military aspect. Toy soldiers, for example is a game for children where they can act like an 'adult' being in control of a situation or being a hero.
As I previously stated, understanding whether FPS persuades us to be violent, is a difficult subject. Ideally, most FPS games today are rated 18, so mature content is suitable for those of the appropriate age. However, with our younger generation getting more involved with technology and having so many peers being involved with the genre, it is hard to protect children from being exposed. I personally think with the elements mentioned by Jane McGonigal, FPS generates many ways in which players become immersed with it. There is plenty of reward within FPS games, leveling up, getting new weapons, better ways to customize, icons and motto's. Being able to create clans and work as a team in a very believable environment. Especially with how graphics and design are vastly improving in the genre, it can be very engaging for most gamers.
I strongly believe the reason why FPS appeals to the younger generation is due to how they've been exposed to war. Soldiers and war are often glorified in various types of media such as film and game. Showing how you are the hero, how YOU as the player defeat the enemy, becoming an invincible individual. Within an FPS game you hold an important responsibility to fight, to kill as many as you can and die as little as possible. The more you kill within the game, the greater the rewards, but this desensitizes the war aspect because within a game, it's fictional, if you die, you can re-spawn again. There is no real fear of true war, as it's portrayed in a manner with no fear and constant reward. With that exposure to praise, I believe it appeals to younger audiences as they do not look at it as war being a serious matter. Although I also believe games should be played by those of the appropriate age, it is understandable as to why it appeals to younger children, toy soldiers, being a hero, being an 'adult'. When I was a child myself, I always wanted to do things I wasn't able to, because I was too young it made me really frustrated. With our younger gamers today, it's something they're more inclined to want to be a part of. With Child psychology, when being told they cannot or should not do something, they instantly WANT to do what they're not supposed to.
Despite that information, I've got a series of examples to how the FPS genre has inspired and persuaded various types of players to implement virtual skills into real life. Although it also can be frowned upon, the FPS genre often encourages a lot of people to get involved with real life scenarios, as they believe their skills within a virtual world will pay off in the real world. To some extent that is a true statement, but in other circumstances it is not. It can have both negative and positive affects.
Here are some video examples showing the different ways FPS encourages people to act in the real world:
Here is a video of children reenacting in game content from the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series, using Nerf guns (foam projectiles) Although these guns are designed for children, their behavior within the video is obvious that they have been influenced by an older rated video game. It is very popular for children to act like heroes in reality, because they're so influenced through media. Such a superman for example. Pretending to be something superior to you makes you feel really accomplished. There is no difference here.
Here is a more mature example of how people come together to partake in a popular sporting event known as 'Airsoft'. This is an active game using gas, electric or spring powered replica rifles, with real players taking on fictional missions in various realistic environments. Although there is very little risk of harm, this game is psychically and mentally demanding. Many people get involved with the sport based around experiences they've had with video games, testing themselves to see if they are as good in reality as well as the virtual world. Airsoft implements realistic warfare tactics, including team based strategies and missions. This is the closest people can get to real warfare.
Here is the final example of how the FPS genre has inspired and influenced people. Many military soldiers use the FPS genre to perfect marksman skills and team based tactics. Using a video game can improve the performance of soldiers by putting them into virtual situations that can replicate real warfare scenario's. It's a cheaper and effective way to improve combat training.
Bibliography:
. Accessed May 10th
' http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-57341439-17/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-makes-$1-billion-in-16-days/ '
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