American researchers have found out how game designers depict drugs in video games. And what role they play in the gameplay.
The scientific work was carried out by the staff of the Florida center for rehabilitation from drug addiction Archstone.
They analyzed the 100 best-selling games for 2016 for each of the platforms and found out:
- are real or fictional drugs shown in the game;
- what effect they have on the game character.
It turned out that 61% of titles feature real narcotic substances. 38% of the games feature fictional stimulants (such as neuroposin from the new parts of Deus Ex or skuma from the T he Elder Scrolls series). And in 1% of games, you can find hybrid drugs that combine the effects of real and fantasy drugs.
Displaying drugs in popular game titles, ArchstoneTaking drugs in games is most often accompanied by the effect of disorientation.
This happens in 40% of the titles studied. In 32%, drugs enhance the character’s characteristics, and in 28% increase his health. Effects of drugs in the game, Archstone
Currently, drugs appear in video games much less frequently than a few years ago.
According to research, banned drugs appear only in 2.7% of game releases released in 2017-2018.
This corresponds to the level of 2000. The peak of drug addiction in games occurred in 2011. Then drugs appeared in 12.7% of published games.
The presence of drugs in new game releases, ArchstoneAlso on the topic:
Video games replace TV and drugs for unemployed Americans