Gamers have evolved over the years from a bunch of individuals holed up at the arcade to a phenomenon of worldly proportions.
Whether forced by someone who simply needed a “Player Two” or in need of the rush that comes with turning on the trusty console, video gamers are everywhere.
The gaming industry has made tremendous leaps since the days of “Pong” to make revolutionary products that have changed the way we see things, such as the new “Batman: Arkham” saga, “Grand
Theft Auto” and “Call of Duty.” All these games have transformed our stance on what is right and what is wrong, like the “Assassin’s Creed” games and their unique killing tactics.
So what is the appeal of games recently that has put the world on edge?
As of late, parents have become more protective, or at least aware, of exactly what their kids are playing. This not only stems from the heightened violence of the newest games, but just how real game developers make them seem.
As stated by the American Psychological Association, “Violent video games are significantly associated with: increased aggressive behavior, thoughts and affect; increased physiological arousal and decreased pro-social (helping) behavior.”
When I read that quote and carefully contemplated it, I understood on a deep, emotional level…that I didn’t get it. So I had someone explain it to me and it made perfect sense. The APA was saying, in “layman” terms, that violent video games are directly making kids violent and less prone to be sympathetic towards others. To which I immediately responded: “Well, that simply isn’t true.”
If individuals, or more specifically children, are able to understand how to control the game in the first place, they can understand that what they are doing is not acceptable outside of the game.
Let’s be honest, if a 10-year-old playing “God of War” can manage to find the Blades of Chaos and use them to absorb the blood orbs of his enemies, that kid deserves a medal of some sort. I’m not saying it is okay, but I am saying that the kid is going places in life.
How kids turn out is a mixture of nature and nurture. Video games, a small aspect of their life, is not the cause of how a kid turns out badly. We have taken steps to help parents regulate their child’s gameplay, such as the video game rating system.
According to a study by U.S. News performed on May 10th, 2010, “the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) found that 87 percent of parents were satisfied with the computer and video game ratings,” and went on to speak about how parents understood the rating system’s use to safeguard impressionable children.
Let’s stop blaming the games and go back to enjoying them for being a brief, enjoyable escape from the real world and an excellent way to kill time.
While parents are talking about “banning the games for their negative effect on the children,” I will be at home anticipating the release of the new “Assassin’s Creed game” because I understand that games are only games and I appreciate them for exactly what they are – fun.
