Video Games: Focus on representation of sexuality and violence

"Violent video game debates often center on topics such as video game graphic violence, sex and sexism, violent and gory scenes, partial or full nudity, portrayal of criminal behavior, racism, and other provocative and objectionable material".

Representation of women as sexual objects is also apparent in Video Games today.

Red Dead Redemption produced by Rockstar is an example of this. Here is a post discussing the apperance of sexual images and violence in - Red Dead Redemption



There are certain issues which appear within society when such portrayals are evident in Video Games. For example 'Copy Cat' behavior.



This refers to influential behavior of which video games can have among its audience. This article refers to the debate involving the influence GTA has had on a young male.

It could be argued that the current growth of the graphical quality of video games make the risk of 'Copy Cat' behavior potentially higher due to the realistic features.

Areas of sexuality, violence and language are also referred to by the BBFC when classifying the particular video game.

EXAM- it may be possible that your exam question may cover the term technological development. It would then be useful to mention areas such as the growth of graphical quality in terms if production and consumption and discuss how this technological development has had an impact within your case studies. E.G content/target audience/issue.

TASK: 


Research into a game which plays on the representation of sexuality and/or violence. Discuss the following:


Content and Structure- what is the game about- examples of specific representations from the game.


Target Audience- who is the video game aimed at?- what age has it been classified?


Issues- what issues might surround the game?