September 16, 2025

Beyond Consent: Care Ethics in Horror Role-Playing Games

Key Points

The essay analyzes the ethical dilemmas arising from consent in horror role-playing games, particularly in confronting psychological fears.
It incorporates Hamington's care ethics framework to address potential gaps in traditional consent-based models in gaming contexts.
By examining player experiences, the essay suggests a triadic approach encompassing inquiry, connection, and action for more ethical gameplay.
The findings emphasize the need for a nuanced understanding of relational dynamics during RPG sessions to enhance player safety and satisfaction.

Abstract

This essay examines the ethical and psychological complexities within horror role-playing games (HRPGs), like Vampire: The Masquerade, through the lens of Maurice Hamington’s (2024) care ethics framework. It highlights the paradox of consent in settings where participants confront deep psychological fears and unknown traumas—described as ‘unknown unknowns’ (Luft and Ingham 1955) —that may emerge during gameplay. This exploration is contextualized within a broader discussion of the limitations of consent-based models (West 2010, Torner 2013), suggesting that they may not sufficiently address the full spectrum of player experiences and needs. By integrating theories from recent RPG studies (Bowman 2022, Stenros and Bowman 2018) and care ethics, the essay argues for a more nuanced approach that is grounded in Hamington’s triadic framework of humble inquiry, inclusive connection, and responsive action. This approach promises a more ethical and empathetic engagement in RPG settings, ultimately aiming to enhance player safety and satisfaction by fostering a deeper understanding and respect for the relational dynamics at play.

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