Ayn Rand’s Objectivist Ethics Applied to Video Game Business

Abstract

This article analyzes the business ethics of digital games, using Ayn Rand's philosophy of Objectivism. It identifies different types of monetization options as virtuous or nonvirtuous, based on Rand's views on rational self-interest. It divides the options into ethical Mover and unethical Looter designs, presents those logics in relation to an illustrative case example, Zynga, and then discusses a view on the role of players in relation to game monetization designs. Through our analysis of monetization options in the context of Objectivist ethics, the article contributes to discussions on game revenue ethics. It also expands the still understudied area of applying Rand's ethics to business, in the context of a new sector, game development, and business. This research enables ethicists to apply a wider-than-before perspective on virtue ethics to online business, and helps game developers act in a virtuous manner, which provides them with a long-term business advantage.

Towards Suitable Free-to-Play Games for Children

“…Moreover, other ways to monetize are by offering in-game items that enhance the gaming experience or give advantages to the players; these are known as virtual goods. (Harviainen et al, 2019). Virtual goods have become the main monetization method in F2P games (Flunger et al, 2017).…”

“…However, the authors point out that the game creator does not necessarily have the same interest in the games as the players. Furthermore, it has been observed that not all developers may have the user's best interest in mind (Harviainen et al, 2019). Additionally, developers can have different perceptions of what they consider ethical game development.…”

“…Free-to-Play (F2P) games are offered for free to the public, and developers get revenue from advertisements or additional content that the player can purchase (Harviainen et al, 2019). The paradigms of game development have changed drastically with the advent of F2P.…”

Rethinking Knowledge Creation in Information Technology and Tourism

“…Similarly, the issues of social justice that have sparked global protests have encouraged organizations to reflect on their societal role. While technology in ITT has been championed as emancipatory for individuals, organizations, and institutions, ITT researchers have paid less attention to the unethical use of technology by enterprises (such as dark patterns) (Harviainen, Paavilainen, and Koskinen 2019) or its role in facilitating discriminatory practices (Ahuja and Lyons 2019). Reflexive, critical ITT research may begin to explore and address the interconnected nature of social, digital, and economic inequalities in Tourism.…”

Timeliness in information sharing within creative industries. Case: Finnish game design

“…media platform Facebook (Harviainen et al, 2019). Time and (market) information are intrinsically connected.…”