The world of video games has come a long way since its inception. From simple arcade machines to complex console games, video games have captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world.
However, with this evolution has come criticism, much of which centers around the depiction of violence in video games. In this article, we will explore the first video game to draw significant criticism because of its depiction of violence.
Mortal Kombat: The Pioneer
Mortal Kombat was released in 1992 and quickly became one of the most popular arcade games of all time. The game’s premise is simple: players take on the role of warriors from different realms, battling each other for supremacy. However, it was not just the gameplay that made Mortal Kombat controversial – it was the violence depicted in the game.
At the time, video games were still relatively new and unexplored territory. Many people were uncomfortable with the idea of a game that celebrated violence and gore. The game’s developers, Midway Games, were aware of this and took steps to address the controversy. They included a disclaimer on the game box warning players of the graphic violence depicted in the game, and they also released a version of the game without blood or gore, called “Mortal Kombat: Mythologies”.
Despite these efforts, Mortal Kombat continued to draw criticism for its depiction of violence. The game was banned in some countries, and many parents and politicians were up in arms about the game’s content. In the United States, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) gave Mortal Kombat an “Adults Only” rating, which meant that only adults could purchase the game.
The Impact of Mortal Kombat
The controversy surrounding Mortal Kombat had a significant impact on the video game industry. It raised questions about the appropriateness of violent content in video games and led to increased scrutiny of the industry as a whole. Many developers began to take a more cautious approach to their game design, avoiding controversial topics like violence and gore.
However, Mortal Kombat also had a positive impact on the industry. The game’s popularity helped to establish video games as a legitimate form of entertainment, and it paved the way for other violent games like “Doom” and “Quake”. These games pushed the boundaries of what was possible in terms of gameplay and graphics, and they helped to establish the video game industry as we know it today.
Lessons Learned
The controversy surrounding Mortal Kombat serves as a cautionary tale for developers. While violence and gore may be appealing to some audiences, it is important to consider the potential impact of this content on your target audience. Developers should strive to create games that are both entertaining and responsible, avoiding topics that may cause harm or offend.
At the same time, the success of Mortal Kombat demonstrates that controversial content can be a powerful marketing tool. If done correctly, developers can use this controversy to generate interest and attract players who are drawn to edgy, provocative games.
Conclusion
Mortal Kombat was the first video game to draw significant criticism because of its depiction of violence. The game’s controversial content helped to establish the video game industry as we know it today, but it also raised important questions about the appropriateness of violent content in games. Developers should take these lessons to heart and strive to create games that are both entertaining and responsible, avoiding topics that may cause harm or offend.
