Understanding representation of combat in first-person shooter video games: History and politics through the eyes of a player

Abstract

This paper aims to provide a deeper insight into some of the most popular FPS (First-Person Shooter) video games available. The available literature on this subject tends to discuss the negative psychological impacts of playing this genre of video games. However, this paper deviates from the traditional focus and adopts a more dynamic approach. The aim of this manuscript is to discuss how combat has been represented in FPS video games by referring to real-life events. This paper uses content analysis and descriptive approach to discuss how combat along with history and politics can be observed by the players in popular FPS video games like Call of Duty, Battlefield etc. There are references to international history and politics since most of the video games within the ambit of this study are based on true events. The broader aim is to explore the possibility of presenting accurate international events, particularly wars and battles in combat video games and the possibility of learning through them. Video games like Call of Duty and Battlefield are known all over the world for their intensive graphical representation.