Moral conversion and video games the case of 'Spec Ops. The line' / Frank G. Bosman.
| Author/creator | Bosman, Frank G., 1978 |
| Format | Electronic |
| Publication Info | Abingdon, Oxon ; New York, NY : Routledge, 2026. |
| Description | pages cm. |
| Supplemental Content | Full text available from eBooks on EBSCOhost |
| Subjects |
| Series | Routledge critical studies in video games and culture |
| Contents | Video games : what they are -- Moral conversion : being serious about games -- Ethical gameplay : how morality and games interact -- Anti-war video games : a paradox -- The story of *Spec Ops : The Line* -- Breaking the player : complex modes of communication -- Berating the player : the game's self-criticism -- The burning Madonna : theological ramifications. |
| Abstract | "Moral Conversion and Video Games is an in-depth exploration of 'Spec Ops. The Line', a critically acclaimed video game that subverts its genre by confronting players with the psychological and moral consequences of war. Disguised as a standard third-person shooter, the game gradually reveals a dark, self-critical narrative in which the player's choices, though seemingly free, lead to horrifying outcomes, most notably a white phosphorus attack on civilians. Praised for its story, aesthetic, and philosophical depth, the game has been interpreted as a critique of glorified violence, American exceptionalism, and the illusion of meaningful choice in video games. Its use of cognitive and ludo-narrative dissonance forces players to reflect on their own complicity in virtual violence. The game's mirrored reference to Raphael's Sistine Madonna, recast as a burned mother and child, deepens its ethical and even theological resonance. This insightful and in-depth study will interest researchers and students of video game studies, moral philosophy, and cultural theology"-- Provided by publisher. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Access restriction | Available only to authorized users. |
| Technical details | Mode of access: World Wide Web |
| Genre/form | Electronic books. |
| LCCN | 2025052309 |
| ISBN | 9781041011200 hardback |
| ISBN | 9781041011217 paperback |
| ISBN | ebook |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |