Are Video Games TOO Realistic? The Mortal Kombat Controversy Unveiled

The debate surrounding the realism of video games has ignited once again, thanks to a viral video questioning whether video games have become too realistic. The video, shared on Imgur, has sparked a heated discussion about the portrayal of violence and police brutality in games like Mortal Kombat.

One user humorously questioned, "Is this the new cop training program?" This comment highlights the disturbing parallels some see between in-game violence and real-world events. Another user added, "Mortal Kombat…. But I suppose it could just be tagged police brutality instead of street fighter," drawing attention to the game's graphic content and its potential impact on players' perceptions of authority figures.

The conversation took a darker turn with a quip, "Joke so dark a cop shot it claiming he feared for his life," and another comment describing an in-game move where "you throw an acorn on a nearby car and a whole team of police rush in doing Dark Souls roles and then unload their full mag on the other player." These remarks underscore the concern that such realistic depictions of violence might desensitize players or, worse, mimic real-life police brutality.

References to specific characters like Stryker from Mortal Kombat 9, who is known for his line "Police brutality coming up!" add to the controversy. One user expressed surprise at the inclusion of this character given the current political climate, stating, "Not just due to the political climate, but also I thought I was the only person who actually liked the character."

The video also touched on racial issues, with comments like, "The secret is not to play as a Black character," and "All I see is racist faces." These comments reflect the ongoing discourse about race representation in media and the potential for video games to either challenge or perpetuate stereotypes.

The conversation wasn't without some lighter moments. References to other games and characters, such as "Mortal Kombat. A game where you can play a good lizard boi," and critiques of social media platforms like TikTok ("Tik toc is for rubes"), provided some comic relief amidst the serious discussion.

However, the central question remains: Are video games becoming too realistic? With game graphics and mechanics evolving rapidly, concerns about their social and psychological impacts are more relevant than ever. Whether it's the depiction of violence, racial issues, or the portrayal of authority figures, the realism in video games is a double-edged sword that continues to provoke thought and debate among both gamers and critics alike.

As the video ends with a simple "Thanks for watching," it leaves viewers pondering the fine line between entertainment and reality, and the responsibilities that come with creating such immersive experiences.