The Studies Show

Episode 62: Violent videogames

Jan 28, 2025

The discussion kicks off with hilarious memories of classic games like Doom II and their multiplayer shenanigans. The hosts delve into the nostalgia of gaming while examining societal fears about violence in video games. They critique studies linking games to aggression, highlighting the challenges of measurement and the influence of biological factors. With wit and anecdotes, they emphasize the need for parental oversight and the complexity of understanding violent tendencies, all while contrasting gaming's evolution with technological progress in other industries.

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Quick takeaways

The podcast discusses the nostalgic evolution of gaming, contrasting classic titles like Doom 2 with modern games such as Doom Eternal and Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

A critical examination of studies on violent video games reveals conflicting findings and the complexities of establishing a causal relationship between gaming and aggression.

Despite the rise of violent video games, societal violence has notably decreased, indicating that external factors contribute more significantly to aggressive behavior than gaming alone.

Deep dives

Nostalgia and Modern Gaming

The conversation highlights the nostalgic fondness for classic video games like Doom 2 and the evolution of gaming experiences over time. The speakers reminisce about the thrill of multiplayer gaming during the era of LAN parties, reflecting on how the gaming landscape has changed dramatically with technological advancements. Modern games like Doom Eternal and the latest Zelda titles are acknowledged for their impressive graphics and gameplay, proving that contemporary gaming experiences can rival the nostalgic allure of older titles. The speakers express appreciation for the creativity and artistry found in modern video games, suggesting that they offer rewarding experiences that enrich the gaming community.

Intro

2min

The Violent Pixel: Analyzing Nostalgia and Gaming's Dark Side

7min

The Video Game Violence Debate

15min

Measuring Violence in Video Games

12min

Exploring the Origins of Violent Tendencies

2min

Contrasting Growth: Aviation Stagnation vs. Cruise Ship Expansion

2min

Technological Progress in Gaming and Beyond

1min

The Impact of Violent Video Games: A Deeper Dive

10min

Measuring Aggression: Games vs. Reality

15min

Before the panic over social media—but after the panic over “video nasties”—was the panic over violent videogames. Was Pac-Man causing little Johnny so much frustration that he’d take it out on his siblings with his fists? Was Doom secretly training little Timmy to be a school shooter?

You don’t hear so much about videogames and violence any more, but if you look at the studies (and the critiques of those studies) there’s a lot to learn about where science can go wrong. In this episode of The Studies Show—in addition to, if we’re honest, just spending quite a lot of time talking about videogames—Tom and Stuart ask whether there’s any decent evidence that gaming can make people more aggressive.

The Studies Show is brought to you by Works in Progress magazine—a journal of underrated ideas to make the world a better place. In the episode we discussed a recent essay on cruise ships, and the surprising (and continual) improvements over the years. You can find all their essays, all of which are free to read, at worksinprogress.co.

Show notes

* Horribly violent games of yore: Death Race, Postal, Postal 2, Carmageddon, Doom II, Quake

* Newer games mentioned in the episode: Slay the Spire, Hades, Doom Eternal, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Elden Ring

* Hilarious attempt by an MP to ban Space Invaders in 1981

* Chris Ferguson’s 2013 review of videogames and violence

* 2003 review of “The Influence of Media Violence on Youth”

* Pete Etchells’s 2019 book Lost in a Good Game

* List of publications based on the Singapore dataset

* Influential 2008 study by Chris Anderson showing a correlation between videogame violence exposure and violence

* Small Ferguson study from 2012 controlling for several variables and finding no correlation

* Study in the ALSPAC/Children of the 90s dataset

* Are modern, more realistic games worse for us than older ones? Study from 2021

* Use the CRTT to get whichever result you want

* Psychological measures aren’t toothbrushes

* Violent crime rates over time in the US, UK, various European countries, Japan

Credits

The Studies Show is produced by Julian Mayers at Yada Yada Productions.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thestudiesshowpod.com/subscribe

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The Studies Show

Episode 62: Violent videogames

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Nostalgia and Modern Gaming

Violent Video Games and Societal Perceptions

Research Gaps and Methodological Challenges

The Role of Pre-existing Traits and Environment

The Decline of Violence in Society

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts