Dismembers of the audience: the expulsive, explosive force of bodies in games

ABSTRACT

In this paper, a conceptual framework is developed for critiquing extreme violence in computer and videogames from an aesthetic perspective. In particular focus is the common play element of 'corpseplay' and the reduction of the physical form into 'gibs', chunks and blood.

What occurs when the player turns enemies into a screaming ballet of slow-motion meat? The mechanics underlying games suggest a release of forces and tensions, so how does it become possible, if at all, to speak in general and specific terms about extreme videogame violence?

REFERENCES

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• 3: Perron, Bernard. Paper Presented at 'Aesthetics of Play' conference, "Coming to Play at Frightening Yourself: Welcome to the World of Horror Video Games", Norway, October 2005
• 4: Condon, Brody Kiel. Suicide Solution, (video), 2004.
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INDEX TERMS

Keywords:
blood, guts, materiality, physicality