Would You Play a Real Version of Striking Vipers X? The Ethics and Risks Explained

Imagine stepping into a virtual reality (VR) game that combines the intensity of a real-time strategy game with the visceral thrill of a first-person shooter, all while feeling every sensation as if you’re truly on the battlefield. That’s the futuristic concept portrayed in Black Mirror season 5’s episode "Striking Vipers X." But if this game existed in reality, would you be willing to play it? And, more importantly, would you even want to?

The Real-World Ethical Concerns

The game’s interface is designed to emulate "all sensations," including the painful sensation of being kicked in the face. While the idea of experiencing such intense sensations might sound thrilling at first, the actual implementation seems unnecessary and potentially harmful. Playing a Striking Vipers X that stings your face with every virtual blow isn't something that any rational person would seek out. The immersive and realistic sensations might become overwhelming or even traumatising over time.

The episode of Black Mirror showcases Karl's initial reluctance to use the game, and this hesitation holds a lot of weight. The discomfort and fear of real, unmitigated physical sensations align with the primary ethical concerns surrounding such advanced VR technology. Intense experiences that go beyond the boundaries of entertainment could lead to psychological distress or even physical harm.

Unintended Use and Modding Community

The very nature of Striking Vipers X as a video game introduces another layer of complexity. While the game was designed primarily as a VR experience for combat, the potential for unintended uses cannot be ignored. For instance, Karl complains that the game’s AI characters are not sexualised, which implies a lack of programming for adult content. However, in the real world, it’s only a matter of time before teenagers and other users explore and exploit this functionality.

Once the game is released, it’s highly probable that a dedicated modding community would form around it. These communities can quickly and easily alter the game’s content to create new functionalities. In the Black Mirror episode, Karl imagines a scenario where virtual sex becomes so common that it eclipses the gaming industry. The evolution of such technology could lead to a rapid transformation where virtual reality becomes a platform for entirely different forms of entertainment and experiences that might not align with ethical standards.

Alternative Uses and Acceptable VR Experiences

Given the inherent risks, would Striking Vipers X ever be something anyone would want to play in reality? While the idea of being kicked in the face doesn't appeal to many, there are alternative VR applications that might be more appealing. For example, a first-person perspective of playing Age of Empires II could actually be quite engaging. This game, which focuses on strategy and resource management, can be immersive without the fear of physical harm or psychological distress.

In conclusion, while the Striking Vipers X game presented in Black Mirror might seem thrilling from a narrative perspective, in reality, the ethical concerns and potential unintended uses make it a less desirable option. The quest for a more balanced, safe, and enjoyable virtual reality experience is key to harnessing the full potential of this technology.