Computer Gaming World Sheds Light On "Games From the Darkside"; Do Violent Computer Games Lead to Antisocial Behavior?

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 22, 1998--Just in time for Halloween, the editors of Computer Gaming World Computer Gaming World (CGW) was the first magazine devoted exclusively to computer games. CGW was founded in 1981 by Russell Sipe as a semi-monthly publication. , a Ziff-Davis (NYSE NYSE

See: New York Stock Exchange :ZD) publication, have prepared their annual listing of the top ten Games from the Darkside, an annual compilation of the scariest and goriest gaming titles currently on retail shelves.

The list is presented in Computer Gaming World's November issue, which is available on newsstands now.

According to according to
prep.
1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians.

2. In keeping with: according to instructions.

3. Computer Gaming World Editor-in-Chief Johnny Wilson

Johnny Wilson (boxer)
Johnny Wilson (ice hockey)
Johnny Wilson (swimmer)

, this year's list has particular relevance given the current public and media debate on the influence of violent games on computer gamers Computer Gamer was a video game magazine published in the United Kingdom by Argus Specialist Publications, covering home gaming during the late 1980s. It was a colourful relaunch of the failing "Games Computing", a more conservative magazine published throughout in . "As 3D animation and faster technology make games ever more realistic, the question of whether violent and horrific games lead to antisocial antisocial /an·ti·so·cial/ (-so´sh'l)
1. denoting behavior that violates the rights of others, societal mores, or the law.

2. denoting the specific personality traits seen in antisocial personality disorder. behavior is especially timely," Wilson said.

Ranging from First Person Horror to Supernatural Supernatural
Twilight Zone, The

tales of weird events involving ordinary people. [Am. Radio, TV, & Cinema: The Twilight Zone in Terrace] Comedy, the 1998 list provides an interesting look at the prevalence of violence in some of this year's most popular titles. The Computer Gaming World Games from the Darkside list for 1998 includes:

-0-

    Name                      Publisher        Genre


1.  Sanitarium                ASC Games        Gothic Horror Adventure

2.  Gabriel Knight: Blood of  Cendant/Sierra   Supernatural Adventure
     the Sacred, Blood of
     the Damned

3.  Requiem: Wrath of the     3DO              First Person Horror
     Fallen                                     Shooter

4.  Grim Fandango             LucasArts        Supernatural Comedy

5.  Aliens vs. Predator       Fox Interactive  First Person Sci-Fi
                                                Horror Shooter

6.  Blackstone Chronicles     SSI (Mindscape)  Gothic Horror Adventure

7.  Blood II: The Chosen      GT Interactive   First Person Horror

8.  Of Light & Darkness       Interplay        Supernatural Puzzle
                               Productions      Adventure

9.  Black Dahlia              Take 2           Murder Mystery
                                                Adventure

10. The X-Files Game          Fox Interactive  Sci-Fi Conspiracy
                                                Adventure

According to PC Data, violent games are consistently the top sellers, notes Wilson. "The issue on whether violent games lead to antisocial behavior is far from definitive. But our society doesn't have many acceptable forms for releasing aggression. I believe that games provide such a release. They allow us to wield wield
tr.v. wield·ed, wield·ing, wields
1. To handle (a weapon or tool, for example) with skill and ease.

2. To exercise (authority or influence, for example) effectively. See Synonyms at handle. power we probably don't have in `real' life, and they allow us the satisfaction of creating havoc without serious penalties," Wilson said. "While games can contribute to antisocial behavior and senseless sense·less
adj.
1. Lacking sense or meaning; meaningless.

2. Deficient in sense; foolish or stupid.

3. Insensate; unconscious. violence, I believe it is far more likely and far more common that games keep us from antisocial acts, giving us opportunities to feel good about ourselves."

For more than 16 years, Computer Gaming World has been the industry's publication of record for news, reviews and previews on computer gaming and gaming products. Computer Gaming World is available through subscription, at newsstands nationwide and on-line at www.computergaming.com.

Ziff-Davis is a leading integrated media and marketing company focused on computing computing - computer and Internet-related technology, with principal platforms in print publishing, trade shows and conferences, online content, market research and education. The Company provides global technology companies with marketing strategies for reaching key decision-makers.

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Publication:	Business Wire
Date:	Oct 22, 1998
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