In the world of video games, there are myriad popular shooter variations. To name a few, it contains tactical, battle royale, hero, arena, mil-sim and run, gun categories among others. From immersive simulations to science fiction adventures that read like a book, shooter games offer a wide spectrum of experiences.
In this article, let’s compare elements of such games, and look at the impact of them on our emotions. The term “shooter games” refers to the genre where the primary goal is for the player to hit opponents or destroy targets using digital firearms. Typically, this is done by clicking a mouse and keyboard, or pressing buttons on a controller, while viewing through VR-glasses or a monitor.
Shooter Games and Real-World Shooting Dynamics
Before going on, the elephant in the room needs to be addressed. Shooter games are often associated with actual shooting due to their central gameplay mechanics, namely shooting opponents and objects. However, there seems to be a lack of substantial scientific research associating shooter games with real-world shooting. Moreover, a significant body of research explores the broader impact of video games on emotions, cognition, and behavior. The use of virtual weapons and aiming at opponents is a crucial aspect in this research. Looking at these articles, it becomes clear that events taking place in a digital world can evoke authentic experiences and emotions.
Engagement in video games can be intense, with players experiencing emotions such as excitement, tension, frustration, or satisfaction. Active participation in a game can also induce a state of flow or trance, bringing positive emotions such as relaxation, pride, and a sense of control as other stimuli are dimmed. Video games actively stimulate the player to cope with this range of emotions, when played with moderation. An additional finding shows that gaming promotes goal-oriented behavior and performance, ultimately leading to enhanced self-esteem and reduced anxiety within a learning environment.
Engagement like these is not limited to videogames; it can also occur when placing a piece in a board game or lining the perfect shot with the cue during a game of pool. It is essential to recognize that emotional reactions occur within the context of the game and do not necessarily translate to behavior outside the virtual or physical gaming world.
The connection to digital shooter games often relies on immersive elements, including sound effects and visual depictions of weapons and explosions. The term “shooter games” emphasizes the impression of shooting, whereas in a dart or air rifle competition, one physically holds the ‘weapon,’ an experience that is mostly not replicated in the virtual variant, except in certain arcade games.
Historical Context of Shooter Games
Shooting games are not just from this age. In the era preceding the widespread use of computers and the digital revolution, shooting games took on physical forms as part of traditional recreational activities. Board games, card games, and variants involving toy weapons were very popular. Examples of such physical indoor and outdoor shooting games included clay pigeon shooting, darts (blowing), archery, shooting games at carnivals, paintball, air rifle sports, recreational hunting, and more.
As time progressed and technology advanced, videogames emerged as culture shifted to more interactive entertainment, which led to the digitalization of shooting games. First in simpler programs that led to the creation of “Spacewar!”, a shooter game of pure reflexes. And later of course more complex and subcategories came to the market. Through variation within the genre a plethora of emotional reactions are invoked while playing these games, as mentioned earlier.
Shooter categories explained
Battle Royale:
The battle royale genre, popularized by games such as “Fortnite” and “PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG),”. They introduced a survival element where players need to be alert continuously on a wide playing field where they fight to be the last one standing in a shrinking play area.
Tactical Shooters:
Tactical shooters prioritize strategy, teamwork, and somewhat realistic combat scenarios. Games like “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” and “Rainbow Six Siege” demand players to collaborate, plan, and execute precise maneuvers, fostering a sense of camaraderie and strategic thinking.
Hero Shooters:
Hero shooters, exemplified by titles like “Overwatch” and “Paladins,” integrate unique characters with distinct abilities into team-based gameplay. These games often inspire a sense of individual accomplishment and the thrill of mastering diverse skill sets. Titles like “Valorant” are a hybrid between Tactical and Hero shooters.
Arena Shooters:
Arena shooters, reminiscent of classics like “Quake” and “Unreal Tournament,” focus on fast-paced, frenetic combat within enclosed spaces. The emphasis on reflexes and precision contributes to an exhilarating and intense gaming experience.
Mil-Sim (Military Simulation):
Mil-sim games like the “Arma” series strive for authenticity in military settings, requiring players to adhere to realistic tactics and scenarios. The immersion in these games can elicit a range of emotions, from tension during intense firefights to a sense of accomplishment in completing complex missions.
Run & Gun:
Run & gun games prioritize fast-paced action and relentless combat, where players continuously engage enemies with rapid-fire mechanics. Titles like “DOOM” and “Duke Nukem” offer an adrenaline-fueled experience, where players are constantly on the move, mowing down hordes of enemies with a barrage of gunfire.
With insight on the variation in the shooting genre, it becomes easier to see how emotions are evoked though this type of videogames. Excitement, tension and accomplishment are three recurring emotions throughout all sub-genres, it gives players the opportunity to experience and deal with these, sometimes rapidly, changing emotional states.
Complexity of Behavior
Experts acknowledge that behavior itself is a complex phenomenon influenced by genetics, upbringing, social environment, and mental health. This emphasizes that the way you were raised, your ethics, norms and values, all have a big impact on how behavior is expressed. They depict how a person will deal with the emotions brought up by certain activities. The specific activities you engage in, in this case shooter games, are far less impactful on your conduct. Engaging in any life activity, including gaming, should be approached with moderation. Maintaining a healthy balance between time spent, individual needs and goal setting is essential to having a healthy and fulfilling life.
It is important to note that shooter game developers increasingly incorporate cooperative elements. Many modern shooter games integrate multiplayer modes where players collaborate to achieve goals though incorporated features that facilitate effective communication. This presents an interesting aspect of shooter games, as they can include both competitive and cooperative elements. Focusing on cooperation in shooter games has been shown to lead to improvements in pro-social behavior, suggesting that gaming promotes social inclusion and communication.
Fairness and Ethics in Video Games
Concluding this journey into shooter games, while they are certainly not new, they offer a diverse range of emotional experiences spanning tension, relaxation, excitement, and more. Research indicates that engagement with these games extends beyond mere emotions to influence cognitive, social, and behavioral aspects of individuals. With moderation, these experiences can have a significant positive impact.
What was not seen is a link between violent video games and aggressive behavior, due to inconsistent findings and no direct correlation between them. All the more reason to discover the external factors that influence behavior and personal traits. When addressing violence and other negative behaviors, there is value in examining the interactions of a person, instead of their activities. This examination is crucial, as research supports their significant impact on functioning. This holds true for both the physical and the digital world. Therfore, shooter games themselves contribute to emotional and personal development rather than being a societal challenge.
