Hyper-realistic video games are increasingly being viewed as a potential societal threat.
Grand Theft Auto VI is drawing attention far beyond the traditional gaming community. Recently, Rockstar Games’ upcoming project has fallen under the scrutiny of the scientific world.
As graphical fidelity continues its rapid evolution, some experts are raising concerns about psychological well-being. They fear that the boundary between virtual violence and physical reality may become increasingly blurred for certain individuals.
However, the notion that hyper-realism is inherently dangerous is not a consensus. Tanya Krzywinska, a Professor of Games Studies at Brunel University, has shared a more grounded perspective on the matter.
She argues that players possess a sophisticated ability to distinguish fiction from reality, regardless of how lifelike the visuals might appear:
“While games can craft a visual illusion of the real world, there are still numerous cognitive cues that remind us we are interacting with a digital medium. Just because a title looks ‘realistic’ doesn’t mean the player processes it as reality. Gameplay is a holistic experience—combining art, agency, animation, audio, and environmental design. It is the synergy of these well-crafted elements that truly captivates the audience, rather than pure graphical fidelity in isolation.”
At present, the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto VI is projected for late 2026.
Source: iXBT.games