Abstract
A novel method for assessing moral values in computer
games is presented in this paper. The method is based on
Decision Analysis. It is shown that the decision model
presented conforms with the ethical principle of Rule
Consequentialism. The model, termed Scale of Morality,
can be implemented in strategy and role-playing computer
games where, to date, the ethical valuation has been
assessed mainly using informal heuristics. The Scale of
Morality requires the player (human player, computer
agent or game master) to pre-assign value scores to
selected ethical criteria prior to gaming. During the
game, players make moral choices by valuating each choice
with respect to these criteria. The choice corresponding
to the highest value score is the most ethical one. Even
in the case where the ethical principle is the same for
each player during the game, the ethical valuations may
differ, as the information process can be asymmetric
(e.g. one player acquires more information than another).
The game dynamics will be much more complex if the
ethical principle of each player is different.
Furthermore, the computer agent can be equipped with an
expanding information base, making the agent better in
judging the consequences of choices. The method Scale of
Morality can be a component of the game's Artificial
Intelligence, or serve as a research tool for studying
players' moral reasoning.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-12 |
Journal | The Computer Games Journal |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2017 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Keywords
- game morality
- computer agent
- decision analysis
- moral choice
- moral dilemma