Fable 2 creator and all around quotable guy Peter Molyneux gave GamesSetWatch an interesting statistic recently: apparently the vast majority of American gamers are a bunch of goody two shoes. 90% of us played through the game as good rather than evil.
This number came up in his discussion on the importance of choice, in which Molyneux points out that giving the player options has “created this unique divide… between movies, books and other traditional media [and games]” setting it apart from traditional, linear storytelling. Apparently just because we have a choice doesn’t mean we’ll necessarily use them. Unlike the Europeans and Japanese, who are much more likely to give being evil a try (as many as 40% for the Japanese).
10% does seem pretty low, but I can’t claim to be a part of that minority. I almost always feel compelled to be good, under the simple assumption that in most stories bad guys tend to lose, or make enough enemies to have to live in constant fear for their lives. I would constantly feel bad for hurting the innocent and becoming that which I’ve vanquished for the past 30 years. Too bad the statistics don’t mention sexual aggression choices in video games – because there I am a goddamn predator.
Sources: http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/94114-Molyneux-Says-Americans-Find-it-Harder-to-Be-Evil
http://www.gamesetwatch.com/2009/08/indepth_peter_molyneux_on_the.php
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August 25, 2009
#1
I’m in the minority, but I’ve definitely noticed most of my gamer friends tend to choose the hero path. I love being ruthless in all games where I’m given a choice (Bioshock, Infamous, Fable, etc). Why gain faction, when you can just zap everyone and take what you want? After all, it’s just a game….
August 27, 2009
#2
I was also in the 10 percent. I did do a couple of good things, but for the most part I was completely evil.
Some games do try to steer you towards being the good guy, but I find in some it’s more compelling to be the bad guy. Bioshock was a noted difference. It’s narrative and the choice to save or harvest the little sisters was so smart, it felt right to save them.