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Gaming Does Good
bippy writes "Tired of hearing about all the bad things games do? I've mirrored a list on Kotaku of recent positive research done into gaming. All told, the list includes six studies and books summarized into bite-sized morsels with quotes and links. Finally, something to throw in the face of all those obnoxious politicians and sue-happy lawyers."
But thanks for throwing a punch for the rest of us. :)
There was a recent report on British TV where two well known presenters did a short segment on the 'evil' Grand Theft Auto. They talked about the negative aspects of the game, such as gang killings etc. What amazed me was the complete lack of any representative view of a gamer's opinion. The majority of people seem to be happily under the illusion that all video games are just cartoony and kid friendly, so when they purchase a game with an '18' rating slapped on the front, they feel justified in acting surprised and horrified when they find their child playing it.
People should be educated that games are similar to any other modern medium, in that there will be some universal content, and some content for adults. Whilst these articles can go some way to confirming gamer's feelings that games aren't inherently 'evil', they will fall on deaf ears with the general public who will undoubtably find it easier to label all games with the same brush, instead of looking at the actual issue. That said, perhaps the fact that a large body such as the American Medical Association has expressed doubt as to whether violent content causes violent behaviour may gain some mainstream recognition.
I'm not stressed. I'm just terribly, terribly alert.
Growing up my parents had some moderately strict rules on playing video games, but the TV rules were not nearly as strict. I still see this idea today... people will kind of snicker if I mention I play video games more than watch TV. Am I taking crazy pills or what?! At least I am doing something (moving my hands, THINKING) instead of just being shoveled what is on the TV.
Perhaps the issues of children are deaf upon their disassociated parents. Too much to do in their own life (watch CSI?) to bother really being a part in their child's. You can expect politicians to target the values of the apathetic elite, but as the video game generation starts raising their own children you can expect those values to change.
Politicians sell what is popular, and once they realize we're all tired of their propaganda they'll move onto the next hot button.
Just sit tight, video games are still new in popularity and the slow to self-educate middle-aged are soon to become the rotting in homes elderly.
We can get the majority to realize that a couple of serious incidents out of the MILLIONS and MILLIONS of children and others who play games isn't that bad. How about taking a look at the violent acts caused by playing or watching a sports, I don't recall any video game ever causing a on ice brawl or a soccer riot.
Multi-tasking/problem solving (possibly somewhat graphic and violent) versus staring lifelessly down the barrel of an electron gun getting the scoop on the latest shit to buy for 50% of the 30min slot your trying to watch.... I gave up on tv when it stopped informing me and became the loudest most abnoxious billboard known to man. Oh and btw on the occasions that I am watching it and the commercials come on 10x louder, it just motivates me to go back to my computer, and feel like I have some control over what I'm being fed