In this case, yes.
Game developers employing psychologists to design systems to suck out money out of kids are a real problem, regardless of the context. Similar to advertisement targeted at children, but squared.
I agree w the sentiment but not the exact statement; games themselves arent the problem, but theyre starting to become a part of it due to disgusting practices by folks like tencent n em.
Ironically one cool studio that doesnt indulge in such practices is fromsoftware. Just drops peak and keeps moving, even tho i believe theyre owned, at least partially or to some extent, by tencent as well? (scary)
This is blaming the tool for the actions of the person using them.
This is not a video game problem, this is a societal motivation problem. The motivation of corporations is to make money, so they employ whatever means they can to achieve that.
In this case it’s targeting kids playing video games.
The tool is not the problem, the wielder is. Saying otherwise is extremely disingenuous.
“Wherever means necessary” should not be available to corporations. I guess we agree as much.
So you agree with my entire point, but don’t want to admit as such?
That was literally my entire point. That corporations effectively have carte blanche to do what they want, then the tools they use are the ones to take the blame.
Video games are an escape, which can be a problem in and of itself even without exploitative tactics meant to squeeze them of profit… but again, that is a societal problem. The danger of escapism is not so great without something to escape from.