"When it comes to the ethical choices that game developers make when they decide what to put into their creations, they face the same moral issues that artists in any other communications medium face. They must struggle with balancing their rights to free expression with the tastes of consumers and be concerned about the effects their content has on their audience. While it's easy for games to enlighten and enliven the human experience, they are still a form of media and expression, and thus possessed of the ability to influence those that play them.
But because videogames are a newer medium, game designers are still struggling with what kind of ethics code they should adopt. Legally, games qualify as a form of expression that is protected under the First Amendment in America"- Dean Takahashi
This exert from Dean Takahasi's article entitled Ethics of Game Design shows the turmoil that artists go through when creating their work. They must express themselves and get their ideas to the audience but it must be packaged in such a way that the consumer wants it (which often distorts the initial image) but the artist must also be aware of what emotions and ideas that would generate within the audience. Dean goes on to state "While it's easy for games to enlighten and enliven the human experience, they are still a form of media and expression, and thus possessed of the ability to influence those that play them." From a games point of view, the designer must realise that although an art form it is still a form of media, and so has the ability to persuade its audience.
I think that this is a good starting point from which to continue to look at the moral issues and ethical implications that game designers face. I think another good avenue of research would be to try and contact Dean Takahasi and ask his opinion on 'Can games change the world'.
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130594/ethics_of_game_design.php?print=1
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