New conference : "Computer games and violence" to be held in Munich

[Soldat_Louis]

I learnt, via Stigma-Videospiele, that a conference will be held on violent video games. Among participants, there will be US researcher Douglas Gentile and German researchers.

Here is the press release (http://www.hm-medienkongress.de/INHenglischversion.html) in English :


International convention:
"Computer games and violence"
New results from media effects research
Educational and political consequences
November 20th, 2008, 9 am - 5 pm, Hochschule München

Download: English Version (PDF) (http://www.hm-medienkongress.de/Downloads/conference20.11.08.pdf)

Computer games differ in content and mode of representation. With their incredibly high speed, action games freeze the player on a level of excessive virtual killing and orgies of violence, counteracting a sensitive and human personality development in children and youth. Blunting the senses is only one effect of violence in computer games. At the same time, interested circles from the political, economic, and scientific sector are claiming that effects research has, if any, produced only contradictory results and that no effects of virtual violence on the behaviour of children and teens exist.

The Media Convention in Munich on November 20th, 2008 intends to oppose this aimed disinformation through the new findings on the part of media effect research and to deduce political and educational consequences herefrom. International media researches will be presenting four new longitudinal studies proving the consumption of violence through computer games as a cause of personality changes and real-life violence.

Prof. H. Lukesch (University of Regensburg) will be providing a fundamental overview of effect research methods-essential for understanding the effects of media violence-while Prof. D. A. Gentile (Iowa State University) will be presenting the US American state of research as well as his own longitudinal study. Three topical German long-term studies (Dr. I. Möller, University of otsdam; Dr. Hopf, School Counselling Services Eastern Upper Bavaria; Dr. T. ößle, Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony (KFN), Hannover) are going to support violence-based behavioural and personality changes in children and adolescents living in Germany. Furthermore, findings on the "creeping societal militarisation and brutalisation" will be revealed (Dr. R. Fromm, Munich) and the analytical results of players' reactions to public criticism demonstrated (Prof. G. L. Huber, University of Tuebingen). Finally, an examination of an expert opinion on the protection of minors against harmful media content in Germany-produced for the federal government by the Hans Bredow Institute-will be conducted with respect to its scientific lopsidedness and political manipulation (Dr. R. H. Weiß, Stuttgart). The Media Convention "Computer games and violence" is a mutual event hosted by The Munich University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule München) and LMU Munich (Ludwigs-Maximilians-Universität) and addresses parents, scholars, students, scientists, and politicians alike.

[Soldat_Louis]

Just an up because it'll be in 3 days.

Oh, and here is the work that will be presented by Günther Huber on "players of killer games". (http://www.aquad.de/txt/players.ppt)

[Runefire]

Soldat: Do you happen to know if any of the other presenters work is being released?


But at least we can take a guess at what the conclusion will be :( So much for the sharing of ideas?

[Soldat_Louis]

Soldat: Do you happen to know if any of the other presenters work is being released?

In fact, Douglas Gentile may present a summary of his published works, and Werner Hopf's longitudinal study (that claims to find a causal link between violent games and aggressive behavior) has been published this year in the Journal of Media Psychology.

I want to precise that I make a difference between Dr. Gentile and the others. After all, he studies the negative effects as well as the positive effects of various video games.

[Runefire]

In fact, Douglas Gentile may present a summary of his published works, and Werner Hopf's longitudinal study (that claims to find a causal link between violent games and aggressive behavior) has been published this year in the Journal of Media Psychology.

I will have to try and track that study down while I still have my access :) Thanks.


I want to precise that I make a difference between Dr. Gentile and the others. After all, he studies the negative effects as well as the positive effects of various video games.

Well, then at least there may be one voice of reason :)

[Soldat_Louis]

I sent an email to Dr. Huber asking for clarifications and making some remarks about his work. He was nice and kind enough to reply me although his timing is short (the conference will happen tomorrow). We agreed on some points, among them the problem of the reduction of video games to violence, and vice-versa, the problem of the generalization of violent games to video games per se. He's finally much more open to discussion than I expected. And it confirms the benefits of a respectful dialogue.

[Soldat_Louis]

It's today, and it already started !

The program is here (in German) : http://www.hm-medienkongress.de/INHablauf.html

[Soldat_Louis]

German website Golem.de has a full report (http://www.golem.de/0811/63693.html) (in 5 parts) about the presentation.

Douglas Gentile was, by far, the most moderate of the panel. He called to get rid of the simplistic idea that "video games are either good or bad". And altough he criticized ESRB, he opposed to a ban of the most violent games, asking for more media literacy instead.

Werner Hopf, who presented a longitudinal study (http://www.psycontent.com/content/w4t2h1467881) claiming that violent video games is the most important risk factor in violent criminality (see the abstract here (http://www.sozialwirksame-schule.de/seiten/mediaviolence_abstract.html)), rejected this idea, claiming that it was a trick of video game industry. Not only did he call for a ban of "extremely violent computer games", but he also called for the suppression of USK (German rating systems) because according to him it's too close to the industry. He asked for its replacement by a more independent rating organization.

USK was also criticized by researchers from the KFN, the Criminology Institute lead by Christian Pfeiffer, one of the most vocal German opponents against "killer games". Regine Pfeiffer, Christian's sister, even attacked Electronic Arts violently, calling it a "pig company".

Finally, journalist Rainer Fromm reiterated his objections against saddistic and militaristic games (that included not only FPS, but also some WWII strategy games that, he thinks, are ambiguous on the role of German Army). But he also said that he considered video games per se as a great hobby, even telling that he plays them regularly as well as his children. He also reiterated his very positive opinion of eSports.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Hermann was happy about the success of this conference, and it confirmed him in his view that some violent games such as GTA 4 or The Godfather : Don Edition must be banned.

I also learnt via another German website that Martin Lorber, PR head for EA Germany, reacted to Regine Pfeiffer's insults, saying that he proposed long ago to join this conference, but wasn't invited. Having been called a "pig company", he declared he was "glad that he didn't waste his time". He also accused the organizers of this conference "had no interest in working with people to discuss the games".

[TrustyGem]

German website Golem.de has a full report (http://www.golem.de/0811/63693.html) (in 5 parts) about the presentation.

Douglas Gentile was, by far, the most moderate of the panel. He called to get rid of the simplistic idea that "video games are either good or bad". And altough he criticized ESRB, he opposed to a ban of the most violent games, asking for more media literacy instead.

Werner Hopf, who presented a longitudinal study (http://www.psycontent.com/content/w4t2h1467881) claiming that violent video games is the most important risk factor in violent criminality (see the abstract here (http://www.sozialwirksame-schule.de/seiten/mediaviolence_abstract.html)), rejected this idea, claiming that it was a trick of video game industry. Not only did he call for a ban of "extremely violent computer games", but he also called for the suppression of USK (German rating systems) because according to him it's too close to the industry. He asked for its replacement by a more independent rating organization.

USK was also criticized by researchers from the KFN, the Criminology Institute lead by Christian Pfeiffer, one of the most vocal German opponents against "killer games". Regine Pfeiffer, Christian's sister, even attacked Electronic Arts violently, calling it a "pig company".

Finally, journalist Rainer Fromm reiterated his objections against saddistic and militaristic games (that included not only FPS, but also some WWII strategy games that, he thinks, are ambiguous on the role of German Army). But he also said that he considered video games per se as a great hobby, even telling that he plays them regularly as well as his children. He also reiterated his very positive opinion of eSports.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Hermann was happy about the success of this conference, and it confirmed him in his view that some violent games such as GTA 4 or The Godfather : Don Edition must be banned.

I also learnt via another German website that Martin Lorber, PR head for EA Germany, reacted to Regine Pfeiffer's insults, saying that he proposed long ago to join this conference, but wasn't invited. Having been called a "pig company", he declared he was "glad that he didn't waste his time". He also accused the organizers of this conference "had no interest in working with people to discuss the games".

Doug gentile, thank you for being moderate in your statements

Everyone else(that critizied the video game industy) during that meeting, Have fun in Nazi land(Sorry for Goodwining the thread)

[Soldat_Louis]

Everyone else(that critizied the video game industy) during that meeting, Have fun in Nazi land(Sorry for Goodwining the thread)

Oh, please !... :mad: (although I understand your rant to a point)

[TrustyGem]

Oh, please !... :mad: (although I understand your rant to a point)

I believe the government of Germany spun the whole confrence out of control without the Industry defending themselves

[Yukimura]

I know I'm gonna get hell for this. I just know it. But it needs to be said.

Does germany not see that they, by there own actions, are slowly sliding back into the very thing they hated so much and have tried so hard to step away from.

The very facisim that Hitler created, the very hatred he used and the very histeria and intolerance that he was infamous for, they are now showing all over again.

Yes, it's not as grand and yes, it's not nearly at the same scale. But this confrence proved, beyond any doubt, that it is there.

5 people, not one from the very industry under fire, only one with any passable credentials as to the subject matter, and the rest were beaurocrats or hard line radical professors. This gentle guy seemed to be the only Reason able one in the group.

The rest were just as intolerant as they could be.

Yeah, thats the kind of open mindedness and free thinking one would have expected from a country that suffered under the most Facisist and brutal regimes in history.

Pathetic.:mad:

[KN]

I know I'm gonna get hell for this. I just know it. But it needs to be said.

Does germany not see that they, by there own actions, are slowly sliding back into the very thing they hated so much and have tried so hard to step away from.

The very facisim that Hitler created, the very hatred he used and the very histeria and intolerance that he was infamous for, they are now showing all over again.

Yes, it's not as grand and yes, it's not nearly at the same scale. But this confrence proved, beyond any doubt, that it is there.

5 people, not one from the very industry under fire, only one with any passable credentials as to the subject matter, and the rest were beaurocrats or hard line radical professors. This gentle guy seemed to be the only Reason able one in the group.

The rest were just as intolerant as they could be.

Yeah, thats the kind of open mindedness and free thinking one would have expected from a country that suffered under the most Facisist and brutal regimes in history.

Pathetic.:mad:

Wait what country are you from? Americans don't get to criticize Germany for sliding into fascism.

Germany is p hilarious in trying to create a politically correct form of fascism but at least they're not hypernationalists like Americans can be

[Yukimura]

Just what the **** are you talking about?

Admittedly, America has some assholes and jerks, and we have problems with people trying to regulate things, but so far, damn few have ever been succesful. Germany on the other hand already bans every other M rated game that comes along. America doesn't.

Before you go hurling acusations, you might wanna actually have something to back it up. Now if this country ever reinstates the fairness doctrine, then yeah, I could agree with you that that would be facisit move. But compared to Germany, were far less facist then they've become. America has it's share of problems, no doubt, but were no where near as bad as germany in this department.

[KN]

Just what the **** are you talking about?

Admittedly, America has some assholes and jerks, and we have problems with people trying to regulate things, but so far, damn few have ever been succesful. Germany on the other hand already bans every other M rated game that comes along. America doesn't.

Before you go hurling acusations, you might wanna actually have something to back it up. Now if this country ever reinstates the fairness doctrine, then yeah, I could agree with you that that would be facisit move. But compared to Germany, were far less facist then they've become. America has it's share of problems, no doubt, but were no where near as bad as germany in this department.

ok now try and provoke this kind of reaction from a dutchman. you will find it impossible because we do not feel the need to defend the abstract concept that is the nation we live in

[Yukimura]

You still didn't explain what you mean by ultranational. I think you are refering to the american prediliction towards defending there country's ideas and beliefs at the drop of a hat. Right?

[KN]

You still didn't explain what you mean by ultranational. I think you are refering to the american prediliction towards defending there country's ideas and beliefs at the drop of a hat. Right?

the amount of american flags and the rethoric that even Barack Obama spouts about America's greatness and uniqueness are p creepy

[Yukimura]

Agreed, but I'm not making the argument about America V germany. I was making the point about Modern Germany V Hitlers Germany. I don't by Barack or Bushs efforts of supposed patriotism. At the same time, I'm a red blooded american and love my country. Yes, I think theres problems, yes, I think that theres some troubling issues with the new president elect. But you know what, I still belive in america and think that it's a great place to live. Yes, were having troubles right now. We'll deal with it and get back on track. This topic isn't about america, it's about germany, and in my view, germany is rapidly sliding back into the same Fasicst mentality that it hitler had. IT should be embracing new technology and allowing free speech, not supressing it.

[KN]

rampant nationalism (patriotism in your world) makes it easier for fascism to take root, just saying.

germany is completely ridiculous though

[Yukimura]

I disagree. I think that patriotizm and facisitim are dependant on the ideals that the country is based on. I think the problem is that some people have taken love of country to a scary level. I love america, but that doesn't stop me from disagreeing with the leaders of my country when I think there doing something that isn't in the best intrest of the people. If you belive in stuff like freedom of speech,religion, and alot of the other stuff that was written about in the bill of rights, thats patriotism. If you belivie in goverment controlling everything and being in charge of your life, thats facisitim, in my view anyway.

[KN]

I disagree. I think that patriotizm and facisitim are dependant on the ideals that the country is based on. I think the problem is that some people have taken love of country to a scary level. I love america, but that doesn't stop me from disagreeing with the leaders of my country when I think there doing something that isn't in the best intrest of the people. If you belive in stuff like freedom of speech,religion, and alot of the other stuff that was written about in the bill of rights, thats patriotism. If you belivie in goverment controlling everything and being in charge of your life, thats facisitim, in my view anyway.

black and white world views are awesome

[Soldat_Louis]

Can we go back to the subject PLEASE ??!! :mad: :mad:

Although I can understand your anger towards some of the people who spoke at this conference, it's not a reason to use the worst stereotypes just for the pleasure of venting. Germany's not to blame for the actions of some of its politicians and scientists.

So, back to the topic : German gaming websites, such as PCGames.de (http://www.pcgames.de/aid,667985/News/EA_diese_Schweinefirma_-_Harte_Worte_beim_Computerspiele_und_Gewalt-Kongress_-_UPDATE_Die_Antwort_von_EA/), extensively covered this conference. Of course, what got their attention was Werner Hopf's demand to suppress the USK (German ESRB) and Regine Pfeiffer's labelling of Electronic Arts as a "Schweinefirma" (litterally, a "company of pigs").

I have to precise, though, that all the coverage is based on Golem.de's initial report. I wish there were other sources that would confirm Regine Pfeiffer effectively labelled EA a "company of pigs".

PS : Yuki, can you take some minutes to post on this topic ? (http://forums.theeca.com/showthread.php?t=5309) I'd be particularly interested in your testimony. Thanks in advance.

[D'sparil]

What do you guys think the chances are of these people accomplishing their goals?

[ConstantNeophyte]

What do you guys think the chances are of these people accomplishing their goals?

It doesn't even matter, unless they start executing people who "smuggle" games back from less censor-happy countries, people who genuinely want to play these games are always going to get their hands on them.