Games And Guns: The NRA, Education And The Choices We Make

By Patrick Dane / January 16, 2013

In more uplifting news, developer of DishonoredJoe Houston said during a guest editorial at Rock, Paper, Shotgun that that while he thinks games aren't part of the the gun violence problem that they should be part of the solution. He said:

In light of the recent gun violence in the U.S. and the resultant anti-game talk that has stemmed from it, it€™s important as gamers not to simply retreat to the easy reaction, that games aren€™t a part of the problem. While I think that might be true (after personal examination), I think it€™s a pity to stop there. Too often we think about what we might lose as players and developers if forced to engage in that conversation, becoming blinded by the fear of censorship. As a result we miss out on more creative and effective ways to be a part of the solution. As players we can stand to expand our emotional palette by seeking out games that challenge us. And developers have a responsibility to answer that demand with games that engage the player with meaningful choices, additional freedom, and ultimately greater personal responsibility.

Houston is hitting on something that I think is very important to the conversation. First of all, he is saying that as members of a community, it's not our job to cry outrage when some one blames us. It's our job to look at what we are being accused of, consider it honestly and respond with the most intelligent answer. While I absolutely disagree with the NRA's policies and them casting the blame onto video games, it is easy to see where their point of view. So, instead of responding with "I hate the NRA! It's them and not us! They can't take my toys away!", that we should take the core problem and figure out how we can address it in our own and thoughtful way. His call to make games that "engage the player with meaningful choices, additional freedom, and ultimately greater personal responsibility" is a very important one too. The last year has been full of games that have started to ask difficult questions of players and their actions within a digital space through games such as Dishonored, Far Cry 3 and Spec Ops: The Line. Including tough questions about our actions in a game is a tool that can teach but also create deeply artistic experiences. If we can use a horrendous tragedy that has affected many and better ourselves because of it, that will speak volumes about who we are as a community.