I spoke to one of the world's only gaming political scientists and he taught me how to avoid getting murdered in Arc Raiders

During a recent conversation, I had the opportunity to speak with James Pigeon Fielder, one of the world's rarest experts: a political scientist who specializes in gaming. Fielder explained how insights from political science can be applied to gaming, particularly in avoiding conflicts like getting murdered in the online shooter Arc Raiders.

Political science, he noted, focuses on understanding human behavior on a large scale, including aspects like policy development, power distribution, and conflict resolution. Fielder drew parallels between applying these theories in real-world situations and using them within game worlds.

He elaborated on how video games can be powerful tools for conflict resolution and cooperation, even though their scenarios are fictional. Emotional reactions experienced in games are very real, and games can also evoke complex emotions and alternate mental states. Roleplaying games, in particular, encourage players to inhabit different personalities and perspectives, which can foster empathy and new viewpoints.

Fielder, a former US military officer, transitioned from a career in the military to a professor of political science at the US Air Force Academy. His work in political science led him to explore the connection between in-game conflict resolution and real-world applications. He applied these insights in various civilian settings, including businesses and prisons, where games and simulations helped improve trust and cooperation among participants.

Moreover, Fielder's expertise has influenced game design itself. As an RPG designer, he strives to maximize player agency, ensuring that choices matter, even in high-stakes scenarios. By creating a sense of fairness and tangible consequences, players are more likely to accept losses as part of the game's reality.