Do games have to be violent?

I for one applauded L.A. Noire for allowing players to skip the action scenes. Driving and shooting in that game never felt like the main focus while detective work took center stage in the experience. With a focus on non-combat gameplay it isn't a surprise that the game did not sell as well as Rockstar Games wanted it to. While other more violent installments by Rockstar such as Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto 4 had a history of selling extremely well.

I for one believe that video games do not need violent gameplay in order to be successful. 

Thatgamecompany's efforts such as Flower and Journey are boasted by players for being more mature, and having gameplay that doesn't follow a more common action oriented path. While both of these games have received amazing reviews and fan loyalty, they have not reached the popularity of more violent games, like the Call of Duty franchise. Is it a coincidence that the best selling franchise in history is also one of the most violent games on the market? I don't think so.

Is there any way to escape the violence?

Minecraft is all about harvesting blocks and using said blocks to create whatever your imagination can think of, yet there is still danger in the game. At night monsters arrive to hunt you down. Other than hiding in a fort, you must fight them in order to survive the night. In my experience with Minecraft the monsters became annoying so I turned the difficulty down to peaceful which eliminates all monsters leaving you in peace to build all day long. Even without the monsters, it is an amazing game. However, without the threat of creepers and skeletons Minecraft loses its sense of urgency. The fear that arises while the sun is setting is one of the greatest moments in the game.

I believe Minecraft can help us get closer to answering why most video games have violence. While crafting and building is fun in itself, the threat of a creeper blowing up your house makes Minecraft richer. The threat of violence makes you care even more about your creations. Perhaps this is why violent games are so popular. When you are fighting an opposing force, or fighting for a cause the experience can feel more profound.

What do you think about violence in video games? Let's keep the discussion open in the comments below.