Is Betrayal in EVE Online Unethical?

Authors

  • Ian Gregory Brooks Fraser International College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4101/jvwr.v10i3.7259

Keywords:

EVE Online, game studies, ethics, neo-Aristotelian, betrayal, friendship

Abstract

Betrayal is common in EVE Online. While not all gameplay based on deception is wrong, betraying a genuine friendship is wrong in any context. While some neo-Aristotelians have argued that perfect friendship is impossible online, it is possible for imperfect people to become Aristotelian character-friends even across imperfect communications channels. Good people are disposed to form friendships when they spend large amounts of time with others; people who make a hobby of feigning friendship are displaying bad character. While the possibility of betrayal does make EVE more interesting as a test of social skills for all players, that does not justify the actions of those who choose to betray.

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Published

2018-01-04

Issue

Section

Peer Reviewed Research Papers