What is the most common type of conflict in video games?

What is the Most Common Type of Conflict in Video Games?

When it comes to conflict in video games, players often assume that the primary type of conflict is Man vs. Man or Man vs. Environment, where they battle against other players or against the game’s environment, respectively. However, while these types of conflicts do exist in many games, the most common type of conflict in video games is Fear vs. Greed.

Fear vs. Greed: A Common Theme

In the context of video games, Fear vs. Greed refers to the conflict between the fear of losing what you already have and the desire to obtain more. This conflict arises when players are faced with difficult decisions, such as whether to risk losing some of their progress to continue playing the game or to stop playing and retain their current level of progress. This fear of loss is a universal human emotion, and it is often fueled by the desire to protect one’s gains and acquire more.

Types of Fear vs. Greed Conflicts

There are several types of Fear vs. Greed conflicts that can arise in video games. Here are a few examples:

• Loot Conflicts: Players may need to decide whether to take on a riskier strategy to obtain better loot or to play it safe and take what they can get.

• Resource Management Conflicts: Players may need to manage their resources, such as health, ammo, or currency, carefully, as overusing one resource may put them at risk of running out of others.

• Pursuit of Perfection Conflicts: Players may strive to achieve perfection in their playstyle or to achieve specific goals, which can create a fear of not being good enough or not having enough time to achieve those goals.

• Game Mechanics Conflicts: Players may encounter game mechanics that create conflicting goals or obstacles, such as the fear of being caught in a trap while trying to retrieve a valuable item.

Why Fear vs. Greed Conflicts are so Common

Fear vs. Greed conflicts are common in video games because they tap into fundamental human emotions. Players are often motivated to play games to achieve something, whether it’s to rescue a damsel in distress, to defeat an evil villain, or to reach the highest level. These goals can create a sense of uncertainty and risk, which in turn can trigger the fear of loss and the desire to obtain more.

Additionally, the fast-paced nature of video games can create a sense of urgency, which can heighten the sense of conflict and tension. For example, if a player’s character is low on health, they may need to make a quick decision to heal or to retreat to safety. This urgency can create a sense of anxiety and tension, which is a hallmark of Fear vs. Greed conflicts.

Examples of Fear vs. Greed Conflicts in Video Games

Here are a few examples of video games that feature Fear vs. Greed conflicts:

• Dark Souls: The game’s notoriously tough difficulty and lack of explicit storytelling create a sense of fear and uncertainty, which is exacerbated by the player’s desire to progress and find new gear.

• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim: The game’s vast open world and abundance of resources can create a sense of greed, but the danger of running out of resources or falling into traps creates a sense of fear.

• Super Mario 64: The game’s emphasis on collecting power stars and completing tasks can create a sense of greed, but the need to avoid enemies and hazards creates a sense of fear.

Conclusion

Fear vs. Greed conflicts are the most common type of conflict in video games because they tap into fundamental human emotions and create a sense of tension and urgency. These conflicts can be found in a wide range of games, from fast-paced action games to deep role-playing games. By understanding these conflicts, game developers can create more engaging and emotionally resonant gameplay experiences.