Everescape: A Meta-Ethical Analysis of the Player’s Morality Through Immersive Gameplay

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Alexis Mavis S. Ferrer, De La Salle University Integrated School (Manila)
Denise Keara L. Limkakeng, De La Salle University Integrated School (Manila)
Belle Elizabeth S. Tan, De La Salle University Integrated School (Manila)

Document Types

Arts and Design Research Presentation

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

James P. Dagondon

Abstract/Executive Summary

For the longest time, the concept of heroes and villains has been treated as opposites. Despite this, many actions taken by both are usually of equal morality, especially in video games, as they exist as two sides of one coin. This study attempts to find the application of game design that influences a player's perspective toward protagonists and antagonists. It also aims to find the extent to which a player can disconnect from normative morality within the world of a video game and how it may affect their perceptions of morality. Finally, it aims to find how the avatar absolves the player of their actions in video games. To achieve these goals, the authors used content analysis as well as comprehensive literature reviews to study past works and games to understand the reasoning behind the issue as well as deepen their understanding. From the findings, “Everescape” was created as a game that emphasizes the lack of difference in the actions of protagonists and antagonists. It aims to highlight the use of normative ethics in a video game world to justify the player's actions under the name of “heroism”.

Keywords

heroes; villains; ethics; video games; perspectives

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Digital Arts (DA)