[P] I really want to see a study regarding Monster Hunter players, vis-a-vis Dark Triad score and degrees of being unbothered by displays of extreme pain. I'm of the mindset that the only way someone would enjoy that without being bothered much is due to a lack of overall empathy. I think Monster Hunter is a Dark Triad magnet, and only serves to amplify Dark Triad traits in those who are uncomfortable yet feel peer-pressured to play.
@wearywulf I'd be interested in seeing the results of such a study. I'm someone who enjoys playing Monster Hunter, but I also feel empathy for the creatures. I don't find myself drawn to the cruelty/violence that the game offers as much as I find it satisfying to see my skills as a hunter improve. As another example, I'm not interested in playing Mario because I can crush (occasionally winged) turtles and other creatures, I just like platforming games.
@wearywulf Lack of empathy is a possible option, but I would think that dissociation is a much better candidate.
When playing videogames or watching a movie I have no issue watching shocking stuff since I know it's not the reality. It's especially the case with cartoonish graphics. Stuff like "happy tree friends" are good examples. When reading it's harder for me because my imagination goes wild. And in the news it's not ok at all because this time it's reality.
@wearywulf That beeing said what I just wrote doesn't invalidate your hypothesis that violent people may have a higher chance to like violent video games.