Обсуждение участника:What sports

===== Video Games and Moral Choices =====

Rasmussen is a time-traveling historian who visits the Starship Enterprise in an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation titled "A Matter of Time". He wants to live through the Enterprise's "history-changing", attempts to save innocent lives on a dying planet. However, he is prohibited from sharing the results of his efforts with the crew.

Geordi LaForge (the engineer on Enterprise) asks Captain Picard whether What sports he is able to remain on the planet in a crucial moment. He wants to guide the recovery effort. Picard looks at Rasmussen as he knows if Picard's friend and trusted officer will be killed by his decision. Picard reluctantly grants LaForge permission. Rasmussen is casually curious and says, "LaForge remained beneath."

After hearing Rasmussen's words, I was instantly reminded of a particular type of YouTube video. These are just a few examples: "Mass Effect: Ashley stays behind," Mass Effect 3: The Quarians Lose," and "Infamous2: Zeke Dies". Like Rasmussen's statement above, these titles provide brief after-the fact labels to video games that have an emotional and moral impact.

Picard's moral dilemma in "A Matter of Time," can be compared to video game morality in many ways. Picard calling Rasmussen into his office is the best place to begin. The moral choice he is faced with is not unlike those in many story-driven games.

"I'm sure you understand why I asked you to come here."

Rasmussen replies, "Yeah. I have a pretty good idea."

"I am faced with a dilemma. "There is a planet below us that is slowly turning into ice. If we don't do anything about it, thousands, if not tens of millions, will die."

"So, what's the problem?"

"Commander La Forge may have a solution. Although the margins of error can be extremely important, if they are successful, there will not be any more threats.

"And what if it isn't successful?"

"Every living thing on this planet will die."

Do nothing, and thousands of people will die. Millions could die if you do not do something. This is a difficult choice.

"None if you were to assist me."

Picard's request can be seen as an analog to when an RPG player is faced with a decision that could lead to the death of their favorite character. He fears this and goes to YouTube and a Wiki guide to find a way for the character to live. This scene continues to address this need.

"There are twenty-million lives down there, you know what happened. Picard emphasizes the importance of what will happen to them.

Rasmussen takes a moment to pause before responding, "And why did your ask to see me?"

"Because of your presence, I have potential access to a type of information that is not available to me before."

Picard is referring to the "kind of information" he refers to. It is knowledge that directly links his actions with their outcomes. This path is only visible to Rasmussen, but his presence indicates that it exists.

Many video games have a system that allows players to choose how they want their outcomes to be determined. It is there, hidden in code or transcribed online by developers, regardless of whether the player sees it.

In both cases, the mere existence of this knowledge can transform choices into acts or self-denial. It is impossible to make moral decisions based on only personal opinions and feelings if there is a simple, established system that can help you determine the best decisions. The system will work no matter how strong the player's convictions and confidence are. One option will always result in the same outcome.

Picard is confronted with the same problem in "A Matter of Time". Picard states that he has two options, but either one of the versions of history will prevail. Picard recognizes that the only right thing to do, with all of the information about fate at his disposal, is to choose the best possible outcome for the planet and then to make decisions by separating the paths leading to it. Picard tells Rasmussen that he must make the most of every asset. It would be irresponsible for me not to ask your questions here.

People will continue to be drawn to the idea of connecting choices and results as long as there is a way to do so. They may also feel compelled to second-guess their intuitions to determine the best outcome for their lives.

Rasmussen's second reaction shows the problems with this way of thinking. Picard's request causes him to be confused. He responds, "We're talking about more than a choice." I think it sounds like you are trying to control the future."

This is the main message of A Matter of Time. There's a big difference between manipulating and choosing. Although there is a path connecting a person's choices and their outcomes, this can only be seen in the future. Human perception is too limited to see every possible factor that could impact a decision in the present. Making a decision is a moment in which, amid chaos and uncertainty we assign significance to our actions. We can only focus on our opinions, feelings and consciences in making decisions because we cannot predict how they will be interpreted by fate.

Picard describes Rasmussen's refusal to help him: "By refusing me to assist you, I was left with the same decision that I made." To take a chance or to be safe, to try or not to attempt, to take a chance or to play it safe. I was reminded by your arguments how important the right to choose. Because I have never been one to play safe, I chose to try."