Sam Fisher versus Immanuel Kant: the ethics of interactive media

This paper explores the notion of ethical engagement in interactive media through an examination of the Splinter Cell series of games. Keywords Interactive Media, Ethics, Stealth Games SAM FISHER VERSUS IMMANUEL KANT You have the right to freedom of speech … freedom of worship … from want … from fear. These rights would not exist without a fifth. The right to protect all other freedoms by whatever means necessary It’s my freedom ... it’s my duty … it is my war. Sam Fisher, Splinter Cell (2002) Video games face criticism from media and government censors because of their allegedly dangerous content. In some ways this is merely a variation on the ‘bad media’ moral panic, like video nasties, pulp comics and others in the past. Games do differ from their predecessors because of their interactive nature, one which is not easily conceptualised within the current media ethics framework. Many games are violent, horrific and lack a strong moral voice – but does this mean that...

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2007
• Where: IE
• Authors: Scott Beattie
• Keywords: Ethical Engagement, IE 2007, Interactive Media, Internet Technology, Splinter Cell