# Do you have trouble being mean/evil in video games?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-trouble-being-mean-evil-in-video-games/993718>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Tags:** video-games-e-games\
**Created:** [November 26, 2023, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-trouble-being-mean-evil-in-video-games/993718 "2023-11-26T12:59:04Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 8

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**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2023, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-trouble-being-mean-evil-in-video-games/993718/141 "2023-12-16T13:07:12Z")

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Most RPGs or RPG-like games, at least the kind I play, playing evil means you’re just Chaotic Stupid. Case in point: punching the reporter in _Mass Effect_ (on camera, no less) just makes Shepard look like an unprofessional meathead. Far more satisfying to destroy her with words on her own show. On the other hand, I always headbutt the krogan; that’s just a smart play vs the krogan. It’s also smart to tase the gunship mechanic.

In contrast, I’ve no compunctions being evil in grand strategy games. I’ll happily kill my wife if the bitch won’t give me any sons. Forging documents, poisoning a rival, exploiting the natives, committing genocide – all options are on the table.

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**Author:** ![Disinfectus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/disinfectus/32/11085_2.png) [@Disinfectus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disinfectus)\
**Post date:** [December 16, 2023, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-have-trouble-being-mean-evil-in-video-games/993718/142 "2023-12-16T21:07:29Z")

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> [@Spice\_Weasel](#):
>
> I’ve enjoyed a shooter or two in my life, but I can’t play war games.

Interesting point. I’ve little to no negative reaction playing games like GTA, RDR, and Far Cry. I even love war strategy games like Command and Conquer. But the first time I tried playing Call of Duty WWII, I turned it off after about 20 minutes and never went back. It was too realistic and really disturbed me.

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