Role-playing games and shooter games each comprised around one-fifth of drug references, while adventure games only made up around 8 percent. This genre is characterized by physical challenges that require the player to use various skills to overcome them. Among all the video games we examined featuring drug references, over half were action games. Video Game Genres and Illicit Substancesīased on sales, shooter games are the most popular genre as of 2016. And in Heavy Rain, triptocaine is an addictive substance that sparks cravings and causes withdrawal symptoms, though its actual effects are somewhat murky. The Fallout series of games features a cocktail of “chems” with effects such as slowing down time, increasing strength, and boosting intelligence. Scarecrow’s fear gas in Batman: Arkham City causes intense fear that can lead to insanity or even death. Among the most noteworthy faux substances: Dr.

Cocaine, heroin, and marijuana were the most common, but painkillers, steroids, LSD, and mushrooms ( real mushrooms as opposed to the harmless fungi Mario and Luigi gobbled up) also made cameos.Īround 38 percent of the games featured fictional drugs found in-game only, while fewer than 1 percent featured a mix of real and fictional substances. Among the games with drug references that we examined, 61 percent featured real substances. While they may just be games, the majority of the drugs they feature are decidedly real. What types of substances are featured in America’s favorite games? Which genres include the most games with drug references? Are these drugs real or fictionalized? And how do they affect gameplay? Check out our findings below. How are drugs portrayed in video games? To explore this interesting issue, we examined the 100 bestselling games for each console and then zoomed in on those that include drug references. As a result, game offerings have become increasingly geared to grown-ups, complete with mature themes: violence, sex, and even drugs. But if you envision hordes of children and teens going head to head at Mario Kart, then think again. The average age of an American gamer? 35. Approximately 155 million Americans play video games.

Drugs in fallout 4