Analysis of the 18 - Year Evolution of Violence in Video

Video games are popular social artifacts with the potential to shape players’ behaviors, attitudes, and identities. For instance, researchers have produced evidence that violent video games are related to aggressive behavior and emotions. Although unstudied, video game magazines containing pictures and descriptions of games could similarly promote aggression. The current study analyzed game magazine articles published over an 18-year span (1988-2005). Results indicate that violence in articles has become more pervasive and realistic. The mood and themes of games have become less happy and more evil, scary, and dangerous. Violent elements (e.g., blood, weapons) have become more frequent, newer characters die in more violent ways, and their appearance, attire, and weapons indicate an increase in depictions of violence. Finally, more current articles contain more extreme violence against victims such as humans, women, police, and soldiers. Increasing violence could have implications for players’ behavior.