Video Games: The Good Vs. the Bad

[media_girl18]

This entry is in response to an issue I am always hearing about, namely that video gamers have no life or that video-gaming is a negative, non-intelligent activity that not only isolates, it also de-sensitizes

Comments

[meatina]

Hi, I popped over here from zelda_lovers.
I personally get angry when games are blamed for crimes. Manhunt being a case in point- a 15-year old murdered a classmate, and then his parents said he was obsessed with the game. The fact he was also on drugs obviously had nothing to do with it.
My argument, which may sound a bit childish in comparison, is that I played Sonic the Hedgehog for hours on end as a child, yet I never painted myself blue and ran round my back garden befriending mutant foxes.
I think games are evolving, and that games like Buzz! are just updates on Trivial Pursuit. I've had great fun playing games like that (also Guitar Hero, and sports games on the Wii), and they can be part of a social event. A social event that wouldn't be happening if all games were anti-social, surely? My fiance and I are both big gamers, and it's one of our shared interests. We both like Zelda games, for example.
Although, as with any hobby, there is the danger that it can become an obsession. This is not something unique to video games.
That's my opinion anyway!

[media_girl18]

Wow, well said. I agree that almost always, the argument about people playing video games and then becoming violent always oversimplifies things. I mean, I also remember the whole Columbine thing, when they found copies of Doom in the killers' room or something, and the media was obsessed with that. Of course, the fact that the kids were bullied in high school and probably had mental and anger issues surely had more to do with the killings than a video game. It's ridiculous. I think, most of the times, when a video game is linked to violence, it is more incidental. If a person is violent to begin with or has trouble telling the real world from a video game or have parents who don't teach them right from wrong, then yes, video games are going to effect them negatively.

That being said, I don't agree with giving a six year old a copy of a game like Manhunt or anything, but I think when violent games are allowed to be played at the proper age (like 16 or 18) then the gamers can be more mature about them.

And that's so cool that you are your fiance play video games together! Me and my boyfriend play video games together, too, all the time. The Wii definitely has the social games we like, as well. We bought it together a year ago, and I've never been so happy with a console.Wii sports, Mario Galaxy, Rayman Raving Rabbits, etc...there are so many games that encourage two-player:) Oh, and the Zelda series is one of my favorites! Except for the Phantom Hourglass for the DS. I love the dungeons, the plot, the graphics, etc. But the fact that you always have to go back to that one area and get to new levels of it, all with a time limit, frustrated me to no end. I simply hated that part!

Last of all, I played Sonic the Hedgehog as a kid, too. On my cousins' Sega Genesis, because my mom wouldn't let me have a game system, hehe.:)

[meatina]

*nods*
Yes, I think the media conveniently forget that there are plenty of people who listen to heavy metal, watch violent films and play games that don't go round causing injury or death to others. Myself, for example!
You have to wonder how these children get hold of the games. I really don't think parents can complain too much if they're the ones buying the games. These games are 15/18 rated for a reason. The people who rate the games even say why they've got the ratings. Buying your 7 year old Manhunt or GTA is irresponsible- snd people find it easier to blame a game rather than to say "I admit I was an irresponsible parent".

I agree with the Temple of the Ocean King. The third time I did it I died several times. I'm on the final battle now though :)

[media_girl18]

Haha, I also love violent films! I guess I'm a weird girl that way..but films like "Sweeney Todd" or "No Country for Old Men"...or even this Korean movie called "Oldboy" (that movie is super, super violent, but very intelligent at the same time) I love them.

And I think that the whole video games cause violence is really just a way for parents to pass off responsibility for taking care of their kids. Parents definitely can't complain if they are the ones getting kids the games.

I can't imagine buying a little kids Manhunt or GTA. It's just dumb. You teach your kids about violence and what is acceptable in real life vs. a game, and then when they are older and understand, they can play those games. The problem is, alot of parents are lazy and don't talk to their kids about morals and such. They just leave them to figure out what's right and wrong on their own. Not such a good idea.

Anyway, I can't believe you are on the final battle! Good luck! Now you are motivating me to play again. I never got past the fourth dungeon...I just hated the Temple of the Ocean King that much. Why oh why do you have to replay all the older levels? And wah, time challenges...I do suck at those.:)