FILE PHOTO Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy by David J. Chalmers

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In recent years, the emerging field of game philosophy has drawn growing attention, though not everyone views this trend favorably. Some critics argue that the popularity of game philosophy is little more than a transient academic fad that is bound to fade. Is game philosophy truly worth studying? This is a pressing question for scholars in the field.

Proponents of game philosophy argue that games—particularly video games—are among the most influential forms of interactive media in contemporary society. Their vast reach, the considerable amount of time players devote to them, and their substantial economic impact make video games a phenomenon impossible for individuals and society to ignore. Philosophers, therefore, have every reason to examine them.

Conversely, some hold that philosophical inquiry should be devoted to academically significant issues rather than chasing social trends. For example, in 2021, the metaverse was hailed as the next revolutionary phase of the internet, leading major tech companies worldwide to establish metaverse divisions. The philosophical community followed suit, producing a flurry of metaverse-related studies. Yet this fervor quickly subsided. Could game philosophy face a similar fate?

While such skepticism appears reasonable, it ultimately reflects short-term thinking. Games have a long and storied history. From transmitting survival skills and honing physical abilities to fostering intellectual growth, providing entertainment, and delivering narrative experiences, games have played a crucial role in human civilization. Fields such as anthropology and folklore incorporated games into their research scope over a century ago. Philosophy, which explores fundamental values and meanings, is well positioned to offer insights into the societal role and developmental trajectory of games. For example, philosophical research into game ethics can inform normative guidelines to regulate gaming behavior.

Some contend that even if philosophical inquiry into games is justified, this does not necessitate the establishment of game philosophy as a distinct field. Ethical discussions about killing in games, for example, are equally applicable to broader virtual contexts and can be addressed within the framework of virtual reality as proposed by David Chalmers—who believes that virtual reality is a form of genuine reality.

However, games possess distinctive characteristics that set them apart from the virtual world in a broader sense. Games are highly interactive, requiring players’ direct participation to progress. They often feature well-defined objectives that players need to achieve through their own actions and decisions. In open-world games in particular, players can make diverse choices and experience the consequence of each decision. Furthermore, game philosophy often needs to consider game genres, their definitions, and player communities, linking it to conceptual analysis and political philosophy. Consolidating philosophical inquiry related to games into a unified field would facilitate deeper exploration of these issues.

At the same time, games open up new intellectual terrain for philosophy. Games exhibit multiple dimensions: they can exist as abstract concepts, involve tangible objects like toys, be formalized as rule-based systems, or serve as expressions of local cultures. Throughout history, games have continually absorbed new concepts, expanding their boundaries. This conceptual richness provides philosophers with abundant material for investigation.

The immersive experience of gaming demands that researchers move beyond the traditional “armchair” approach and engage directly with the vivid worlds of games. Observing interactions between in-game characters grants researchers unique insights—a methodological breakthrough already visible in digital ethnography and online anthropology. Furthermore, video games offer philosophers a concrete platform for conducting thought experiments, potentially yielding new findings with the aid of emerging research tools.

Games reflect human nature. The values embodied in games and the ethical issues they raise are central concerns for philosophers, requiring philosophical analysis to be fully understood. This is an essential pathway for both understanding games and guiding them toward positive social outcomes.

Game philosophy should not be dismissed as a passing trend. The long history of games and their complex, ever-evolving forms offer ample opportunity for sustained philosophical inquiry. At the same time, by personally engaging with games, philosophers can uncover new research methods and perspectives, which in turn drives innovative philosophical inquiry.

Zhan Hao is a research fellow from the Department of Philosophy at Xiamen University.

Edited by WANG YOURAN