POV

Galloway went into detail about the birth of first-person shooter games. In the article he claimed that modern FPS games are adapted from POV film shooting techniques. In the film industry, the technique is commonly referred to as “the fourth look”. Basically, the viewer sees what the character is seeing. It is as if the eyes of the characters are replaced by cameras. Galloway gave examples of different films that used this technique: some of which are Lady in the Lake, Dark Passage, and Mental Effect. The directors at the time would use different visual tricks and editing to make the film more believable. Though critics at the time thought it was “gimmicky” and “flawed” (44), it eventually became the bases of modern FPS gaming.

So why is FPS games so addicting and popular? FPS games merge the character and the player into one entity. The connection between the character and the player becomes closer when the player sees what their character is seeing. All the experiences become more real and that bond between the character and player strengthens. That is not to say a player feels like they are shooting a gun in COD4 when they click the left mouse button. However, in comparison to third person view, a first person view and gameplay does enhance the experience that much more.

COD4 is a prime example of film effects and POV execution. The cut scenes in the game are cinematic quality and the gameplay offered is on the same level as well. The only difference is that the player can control the gameplay. To achieve film quality in games is very rare and the developers of COD4 are very close when compared other games in the same category.

My Question: 3D technology is slowly implemented into games. DS is coming out with games that allow the player to experience gaming to the next level. 3D TVs and IMAX offers next generation viewing pleasure. However, when these are implemented into FPS, do you see any ETHICAL and MORAL dilemmas that the gaming industry will face?