This experiment employed a 2 (third vs. first person) 3 2 (blood on/off) 3 2 (sex)
design in order to examine the effects of two internal video game manipulations: the
presence of blood and point of view on participants’ perceptions of the game. Overall,
when the blood manipulation was on, participants perceived greater gore. Players were
significantly more focused when they played in the third-person point of view than
when they played in first person. Males were more involved in the game overall regardless
of point of view, but females were more focused and involved when they played
in third, not first, person. In addition, we wanted to see if game manipulations and
perceptions of the game affected aggressive outcomes. Those who played the game in
the blood-on condition had more physically aggressive intentions, and when players
were more involved and immersed in the game, they reported greater hostility and
physically aggressive intentions. Findings are discussed as they relate to mental models
of media violence.