I’m not a big fan of video games. But occasionally I do find a game app for my smart phone that manages to occupy my attention for a spell. The most recent game to join this elite company is the popular new game “Subway Surfers”. But that’s where the problems arise. The game always starts out with a police officer (or transit officer) spotting you (where “you” is a teenager with a charming cartoonish countenance and impish grin) spray-painting a stationary subway car. Away you go, grabbing coins while you run and racking up points while the officer continues to chase you.
Is this an ethically justifiable premise for a game? Playing a vandal who is attempting to elude capture?
The case for the game: It’s just a game bro! Do you think running along the subway picking up levitating gold coins as you go is real life? Lighten up man!
The case against the game: How would you feel if the protagonist was attempting to evade police capture after snatching a purse? Vandalism is wrong as is running from the authorities. You better go back to playing Tetris.
Oh, the endless restlessness with being introspective!
Here’s the trailer for the game so you get a sense of how the premise works itself out.
