Pawn or Actor: The Ethical Dilemma in Enemy Design

Introduction

In the realm of video games, the portrayal of enemies has evolved significantly over time, from simple obstacles to more complex characters with motivations and personalities. This shift has raised ethical questions about the nature of enemy design, prompting developers to consider the impact of their creations on both players and society. The debate centers around two primary approaches: pawn-based design, where enemies are disposable tools, and actor-based design, where enemies possess agency and autonomy.

Pawn-Based Design: The Disposable Enemy

Definition:
Pawn-based enemy design treats enemies as mere obstacles, lacking individuality or agency. They are programmed to behave in predictable patterns, serving as targets for the player to eliminate. This approach emphasizes efficiency and gameplay over character development.

Advantages:

• Simple and cost-effective to implement.
• Allows for large-scale battles with numerous enemies.
• Maintains player immersion by creating a clear distinction between enemy and ally.

Disadvantages:

• Can lead to monotony and lack of player interest.
• May reinforce harmful stereotypes and dehumanize enemies.
• Limits the potential for moral exploration and empathy.

Actor-Based Design: The Autonomous Enemy

Definition:
Actor-based enemy design grants enemies a degree of agency and autonomy. They behave more intelligently, with motivations and decision-making capabilities. This approach aims to create more immersive and emotionally engaging experiences.

Advantages:

• Increases player immersion and connection to the game world.
• Allows for complex and nuanced enemy interactions.
• Fosters empathy and moral dilemmas by humanizing enemies.

Disadvantages:

• More difficult and time-consuming to implement.
• May reduce the pace and intensity of gameplay.
• Potential to confuse players with unrealistic or unpredictable enemy behavior.

Ethical Considerations: Pawn vs. Actor

The choice between pawn-based and actor-based enemy design raises ethical questions about the treatment of enemies and the potential impact on players.

Dehumanization and Stereotypes:
Pawn-based enemies can reinforce harmful stereotypes and dehumanize enemies, which may have broader societal implications.

Moral Responsibility:
Actor-based enemies can evoke empathy and moral dilemmas, prompting players to reflect on their actions and the consequences of violence.

Player Agency:
Both pawn- and actor-based designs can affect player agency. Pawns provide a clear target for aggression, while actors may challenge players' motivations and morality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Excessive Violence: Excessively violent enemy depictions can desensitize players and promote harmful values.
• Stereotypical Villains: Avoid creating enemy characters that perpetuate harmful stereotypes or reinforce biases.
• Unbalanced Gameplay: Ensure that the difficulty and behavior of enemies are balanced to provide a fair and engaging challenge.

FAQs

1. Which approach is better for all games? There is no definitive answer. Both pawn-based and actor-based designs can be effective, depending on the game's genre, tone, and objectives.
2. How can I create more ethical enemies? Consider the motivations and personality of enemies, avoid harmful stereotypes, and explore the consequences of violence.
3. What impact can enemy design have on players? Enemy design can influence players' emotional engagement, moral values, and perceptions of the game world.
4. How can I balance gameplay and empathy? Design enemies that challenge players without making them feel overwhelmingly sympathetic.
5. What are the ethical implications of killing enemies in games? Killing enemies can have ethical implications based on the enemy's autonomy, the context of the game, and the player's motivations.
6. How can I use enemy design to promote positive values? Create enemies that represent diverse perspectives, encourage dialogue, and challenge harmful biases.

Conclusion

The choice between pawn-based and actor-based enemy design is a complex one with ethical implications. By carefully considering the impact of enemy depictions on both players and society, developers can create engaging and thought-provoking experiences that both entertain and challenge. The ethical considerations surrounding enemy design serve as a reminder of the power of video games to shape our values, beliefs, and understanding of the world.