Study on violence in games – no connection with player behavior

The topic of “violence in computer games” is probably as old as any other topic in the computer games industry. Already in 2008/2009, as a legal trainee for the esteemed colleagues Prof. Dr. Malte Behrmann, I had to write a constitutional law opinion on the then so-called killer game paragraph (§ 131a StGB). Unfortunately, I can no longer find the certificate with me. If anyone still has it (written by then still graduate lawyer Marian Härtel), I would be very happy to receive it by e-mail! It came to the conclusion even then, in over 30 pages, that there would be massive constitutional concerns about the standard. In the meantime, the legal situation in the Federal Republic has been consolidated. However, the opinion that violent computer games, such as Counter Strike or Call of Duty, would also lead to an increased propensity to violence among players is still widespread, and in esports, for example, it is one reason why numerous renowned sponsors tend to focus on FIFA rather than on much more popular shooter games.

A British study now refutes this assumption on a large scale. More than 1000 participants between the ages of 14 and 15 were studied.

The study, which in my humble opinion was very carefully conducted and also took into account risk factors and deviations, concluded that there would be no correlation between playing violent games and violent behavior of the players. The study is very interesting to read and everyone who has to deal with sponsors in esports, with decision makers in politics or with parents/teachers etc. in other discussions should read the study and its results. Of course, I would also be very interested in opinions on this.

About the study

Author: Marian Härtel

Marian Härtel ist Rechtsanwalt und Fachanwalt für IT-Recht mit einer über 25-jährigen Erfahrung als Unternehmer und Berater in den Bereichen Games, E-Sport, Blockchain, SaaS und Künstliche Intelligenz. Seine Beratungsschwerpunkte umfassen neben dem IT-Recht insbesondere das Urheberrecht, Medienrecht sowie Wettbewerbsrecht. Er betreut schwerpunktmäßig Start-ups, Agenturen und Influencer, die er in strategischen Fragen, komplexen Vertragsangelegenheiten sowie bei Investitionsprojekten begleitet. Dabei zeichnet sich seine Beratung durch einen interdisziplinären Ansatz aus, der juristische Expertise und langjährige unternehmerische Erfahrung miteinander verbindet. Ziel seiner Tätigkeit ist stets, Mandanten praxisorientierte Lösungen anzubieten und rechtlich fundierte Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung innovativer Geschäftsmodelle zu gewährleisten.