War and Play: Insensitivity and Humanity in the Realm of Pushbutton Warfare

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Author(s): Devin Monnens (International Game Developers Association Game Preservation Special Interest Group, USA)
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 15
Source title: Designing Games for Ethics: Models, Techniques and Frameworks
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Karen Schrier (Marist College, USA)and David Gibson (University of Vermont, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-120-1.ch006

Keywords: Information Science Reference / Media & Communications / Multimedia Technology

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Abstract

This chapter argues for a game design ethic for war game production and the development of games that produce a more realistic and conscientious critique of warfare, defined as antiwar and conscientious war games. Given the medium’s preponderance toward narratives and simulations of military conflict, there are surprisingly few works that seriously examine its consequences. This chapter surveys and critiques several existing antiwar and conscientious war games and examines design problems associated with exploring antiwar narratives. It concludes with an exploration of areas in which both new antiwar games can be developed and existing war games can be modified to produce conscientious messages about war. Artists and designers should have a vested interest in producing antiwar games to both enrich the medium and improve society by inspiring audiences to seek alternatives to conflict.

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