Dismembers of the audience: the expulsive, explosive force of bodies in games

In this paper, a conceptual framework is developed for critiquing extreme violence in computer and videogames from an aesthetic perspective. In particular focus is the common play element of ‘corpseplay’ and the reduction of the physical form into ‘gibs’, chunks and blood. What occurs when the player turns enemies into a screaming ballet of slow-motion meat? The mechanics underlying games suggest a release of forces and tensions, so how does it become possible, if at all, to speak in general and specific terms about extreme videogame violence?