Subversion of the Player's Expectations of Violence in Undertale

Abstract

Violence in video games is a topic that has attracted a lot of research and attention, and games themselves have begun to adopt more critical approaches to violence. Undertale (2015) is one such game, including commentary on players’ expectations of and desire for violence in video games. In this thesis, I have analysed how Undertale subverts and highlights the player’s expectations of necessary violence in three ways: by using a “kill versus spare” game mechanic, eliciting sympathy via the game’s characters, and by highlighting the player’s responsibility as an active participant in the story of the game through metafictional commentary. In my analysis, I have utilised theories regarding the concept of the “postmodern psychopath” gamer, cultural perceptions of so-called underdogs, and how “human” characteristics in video game characters elicit sympathy in the player. The findings of my analysis suggest that by explicitly explaining that a peaceful way of resolving battles exists, Undertale draws attention to the choices the player needs to make, highlighting their responsibility as someone with power to influence the game’s world and story. Additionally, the monster characters’ human-like characteristics and their underdog status are likely to elicit sympathy in the player, impeding a violent playthrough. Through the concept of the postmodern psychopath, my analysis has shown how Undertale utilises metafictional commentary to criticise the player who strays from the endorsed path of pacifism and to establish consequences where they are not expected.