In 1996, American artist and curator Michael Salmond created an game-based artwork titled "F.P.S", which he described in these terms:
“F.P.S is a 3d-Based Game created by Michael Salmond for the web. There exists a larger version of the game that is part of a gallery installation. FPS is a first person shooter, but with a twist. The player uses the mouse (right-click to shoot) as a ‘gun’ to shoot targets that randomly appear in a simulation of a police-training mission. To all intents and purposes, FPS is what it seems to be, a game in which you shoot at targets to gain points and complete the ‘mission’. However, there is a conundrum contained in this work – an ethical conundrum. A player has two forms of targets to shoot, the ‘hostage’ and the ‘criminal’. The difference between ‘victim’ and ‘perpetrator’ is at times very slight and you have to make split second decisions. The player is offered positive and negative reinforcement based on their shooting ‘skill’ - however the point system is what offers the ethical dilemma. When a player shoots a target denoted as a ‘criminal’ positive reinforcement and an upping of your personal score occurs. When a player shoots (by accident or on purpose) a ‘hostage’ target, then the simulation offers them a negative reinforcement but the score increases by a much more significant amount. Herein lies the conundrum, does the player adhere to the spirit and rules of the gaming scenario or do they go for the visceral thrill of shooting everything and gaining a much higher score?” (Michael Salmond)
Text by Mathias Jansson.
Link: Michael Salmond's F.P.S. (1996)
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