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Ayn Rand’s Objectivist Ethics Applied to Video Game Business

Author

Listed:
  • J. Tuomas Harviainen

    (Tampere University)

  • Janne Paavilainen

    (Tampere University)

  • Elina Koskinen

    (Tampere University)

Abstract

This article analyzes the business ethics of digital games, using Ayn Rand’s philosophy of Objectivism. It identifies different types of monetization options as virtuous or nonvirtuous, based on Rand’s views on rational self-interest. It divides the options into ethical Mover and unethical Looter designs, presents those logics in relation to an illustrative case example, Zynga, and then discusses a view on the role of players in relation to game monetization designs. Through our analysis of monetization options in the context of Objectivist ethics, the article contributes to discussions on game revenue ethics. It also expands the still understudied area of applying Rand’s ethics to business, in the context of a new sector, game development, and business. This research enables ethicists to apply a wider-than-before perspective on virtue ethics to online business, and helps game developers act in a virtuous manner, which provides them with a long-term business advantage.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Tuomas Harviainen & Janne Paavilainen & Elina Koskinen, 2020. "Ayn Rand’s Objectivist Ethics Applied to Video Game Business," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 167(4), pages 761-774, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:167:y:2020:i:4:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04159-y
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04159-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mattinen, Topias & Macey, Joseph & Hamari, Juho, 2023. "A Ruse by Any Other Name: Comparing Loot Boxes and Collectible Card Games Using Magic Arena," OSF Preprints s9xqt, Center for Open Science.
    3. Lehtonen, Miikka J. & Vesa, Mikko & Harviainen, J. Tuomas, 2022. "Games-as-a-Disservice: Emergent value co-destruction in platform business models," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 141(C), pages 564-574.

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