Heroism in Video Games

The majority of video games all have one thing in common;  They all have heroes and villains.  The individual playing the video game is usually controlling the hero, while having to overcome obstacles and fight villains.  Players admire the hero, and enjoy being able to actually control the hero in the video game.  The hero is usually fighting for a good cause, and the whole world does not know that the situation is taking place.  The hero is not a celebrity, (doing good for fame or fortune) he simply has the drive, motivation, and compassion to display such acts.  A hero named Munch has to fight for survival in the video game titled Oddworld:  Munch's Oddysee, released on Xbox in 2001.  The game centers around a hero named Munch.  Munch finds himself trapped on a different planet, and he has to run and fight for freedom.  Munch is very capable of escaping his captives in the game, but he decides to free all of his fellow prisoners before his departure.  Munch displays acts of heroism the entire game by freeing his species, and defeating an evil enemy.  He could of freed himself but his selflessness and compassion inspired him to become a hero ("Oddworld", 2001).



Our culture loves its heroes, and I believe everybody has some desire to become one.  With virtually all games centering around heroism, I believe that says a lot about our culture.  Our culture is obsessed with heroism, both the aspect of admiration and the willingness to do good.  I believe that even violent 1st person shooting games contain the essential theme of being a hero. Our culture thrives on over coming obstacles, being courageous, and having some type of skill.  Even the most evil of people receive some sort of fulfillment from helping out others.  Helping others, conducting selfless service, and doing good triggers some type of sensation/emotion in everybody  These video games are artifacts that help define today's culture.

Munch's Oddysee. (2001).  Oddworld's Inhabitants.  Retrieved from http://www.oddworld.com/games-new-parent/munchs-oddysee/ on January 28, 2012.