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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Contrary to popular belief, violence in video games do not make them more enjoyable.
Researchers at the University of Rochester and Immersyve Inc., a player-experience research firm, found for many avid players, gore actually takes away from a game's "fun factor," making players less likely to stay engaged in the game or want to purchase it.
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"For the vast majority of players, even those who regularly play and enjoy violent games, violence was not a plus," Andrew Przybylski, a University of Rochester graduate student and lead author of the study, was quoted as saying. "Violent content was only preferred by a small subgroup of people that generally report being more aggressive," Przybylski said. He added, however, that even hostile players did not report increased enjoyment when playing more gruesome games.
The study also shows people are more likely to continue playing games because they offer a challenge and autonomy. Both veteran players and new players prefer games that present obstacles that must be conquered, make them feel effective, and require them to formulate their own plan of action.
"Much of the debate about game violence has pitted the assumed commercial value of violence against social concern about the harm it may cause," Scott Rigby, president of Immersyve and a co-investigator in the study, was quoted as saying. "Our study shows that the violence may not be the real value component, freeing developers to design away from violence while at the same time broadening their market."
SOURCE: Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, published online January 16, 2009
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