Video games: First person shooters and the culture of violence

Part of the 2013 Diamond Series, John Martino will present Video games: First person shooters and the culture of violence.

Since the 1970s computer games have come to play an increasing part in the lives of young people in most developed societies. The economic and cultural impact of video games has come to rival and surpass that of "Hollywood".

The impact these games have had on the evolution of youth culture over the last few decades has been profound.

In this session, John will explore how the language, habits and social interactions associated with the playing of First Person Shooter videogames act as a kind pedagogy.

This gaming pedagogy introduces young people particularly boys and young men to a highly militarized variant of youth culture – complete with social scripts and a mental framework steeped in hyper masculinity and the celebration of violence.