Many games today feature violence as a core mechanic, but is that the only way to create engaging and immersive experiences? In this article, you will learn how you can design games that promote non-violent behavior, and why this can benefit both you and your players.
Violence is often used as a shortcut to create conflict, tension, and challenge in games, but it can also have negative effects on the players and the society. Studies have shown that exposure to violent media can increase aggression, desensitization, and moral disengagement, and that some players may experience guilt, anxiety, or trauma after playing violent games. Moreover, violent games can reinforce harmful stereotypes, normalize violence as a solution, and alienate potential audiences who are not interested in or comfortable with violence.
For mobile gaming market, most of our targeted audience are children and middle aged youngsters. It is reported that violent games may not be suitable for younger audiences due to potential developmental impacts on their understanding of violence and conflict resolution Some studies suggest a potential correlation between exposure to violent video games and increased aggression in certain individuals. However, the debate on causation is ongoing, and research results are mixed. There are concerns that violent games could have negative effects on mental health, particularly for individuals who may be more susceptible to such content.
Non-violence is not just the absence of violence, but a positive and active principle that seeks to create harmony, justice, and peace. Non-violence can be expressed in many ways, such as cooperation, compassion, empathy, dialogue, creativity, and resistance. Non-violent games can explore these themes and values through their mechanics, narratives, aesthetics, and interactions, and challenge the players to think critically, ethically, and emotionally about their actions and consequences.
Non-violent games are those that do not involve or promote graphic violence, intense aggression, or harmful actions towards characters or entities within the game world. These games often focus on positive themes, creativity, exploration, and problem-solving. Here are some examples of non-violent games across various genres. Following are some popular one's : Simulation Games Puzzle Games Adventure and Exploration Building and Construction Strategy and Management Racing Games Educational Games Role-Playing Games (RPGs)
Designing non-violent games requires careful consideration. You should begin by defining your goals and intentions, as well as choosing a genre and mechanics that fit with your desired message and experience. To give players agency, create meaningful choices and consequences. Narrative and aesthetics can be used to communicate your message and create empathy. Finally, you should test and iterate your game to evaluate the effectiveness of your design and make improvements.
Designing a non-violent game involves careful consideration of various elements, including gameplay mechanics, narrative, aesthetics, and user experience. Here are some key steps and principles to guide the design of a non-violent game: Aesthetics and Art Style Emphasize Exploration and Creativity Problem-Solving Challenges Social Interaction Reward Positive Behavior Avoid Graphic Violence Test and Iterate Educational Elements Character Building Frameworks
Non-violent games, such as Journey, Papers, Please, Animal Crossing, and Undertale, have achieved critical and commercial success and have influenced other game developers and players. Journey takes the player on a spiritual and emotional journey through a mysterious and beautiful world without words or violence. In Papers, Please, the player takes on the role of a border inspector in a dystopian country and must decide who to let in or reject while facing moral dilemmas. Animal Crossing simulates a peaceful life in a village populated by anthropomorphic animals. Undertale subverts the conventions of the role-playing genre where the player can spare or befriend monsters they encounter. All of these games have lasting and unexpected consequences on the story and characters.
Algunos buenos ejemplos de juegos no violentos, además de los ya mencionados en el artículo, son, en mi opinión, los que se enmarcan dentro del género didáctico como es el famoso caso del juego"Brain Training". Este juego tiene como principal objetivo que el jugador ejercite su memoria y agilidad mental mediante minijuegos como los sudokus.
There are lots of games that promote pacifist routes throughout their playthrough such as Deus Ex. Point and click adventures are also mostly non violent and promote seeking more intelligent solutions than just brute forcing your way through a game.
Designing non-violent games can have many benefits for you and your players, such as expanding your creative potential and expression. By avoiding violence as a default or dominant mechanic, you can explore new ways of creating gameplay, storytelling, and art. Additionally, you can attract and engage more and different players by offering non-violent alternatives. Moreover, you can make a positive and meaningful impact by promoting non-violent values and behaviors, inspiring your players to think and act differently.