Debate #3 - Video Games Bad...??

[NintendoNerds]

OK, the debate for this week is going to be one that will hopefully spark a lot of interest.

Simply, are video games bad for us? Specifically, are they bad for the younger generation of kids who will one day grow up and look at video games as a past hobby?

Here are my thoughts on this:

I do not think video games are bad for kids...to an extent. If a child is coming home every day after school, throwing his/her book bag in the corner of the room and flipping on the switch to his console it could be bad. Keep one thing in mind...too much of ANYTHING is bad for someone.

If the child is putting video games ahead of his future...his school work...his social life it could be bad. Why you ask? Bad grades, no friends, and basically no possibility of a scholarship. This is where it gets complicated. I, personally am guilty of this. When I was younger, that's ALL I did...and still do but I actually have a job and have to pay my own bills now. So, for me it's not my top priority...my bills are...lol. The video games won't pay for my bills.

Anyway, back on topic. Children. I view it like this: If a child is getting good grades in school and is happy and has friends at school then I think that is OK. Whatever that child decides to do in his free time is really up to him. I will say that he/she should definitely get out and smell the fresh air on occasion however. For the record, I did have chores everyday after school that I had to do before my parents came home from work. I also had to have my homework completed as well.

I got decent grades in school but spent most of my time skateboarding and playing video games. Eventually, I just played video games though...when I found my true passion for it.

Video games are also very stimulating for the brain and help hand-eye coordination as well. Tehy also develop great memory skills. For me, video games forcefully developed a level of meticulousness and anal-retentiveness that most people get annoyed with. I will say that I am pretty detailed with things and I credit my countless hours of game play for that.

By the way, Role-Playing Games in particular do wonders for one's range of vocabulary . That's what I played the most when I was younger and see big words today that I saw in Nintendo games that today's average person wouldn't know or understand.

By the age of 13, I was the only one (credits the Dragon Warrior series) I knew that could fluently talk in an old-English dialect, saying stuff like "thou hast" and "thou art", etc.

Seriously though, I think as long as children realize there are other things in childhood other than video games and aren't playing games that have grotesque, horrific graphics and story lines, it's a go in my book.

I can remember getting new games and not coming out of my room all weekend, or at least until I beat the game. Most games I bought, I beat very quickly...within a week. I even woke up extra early before school...like 4:30 or 5AM to play the game(s) I was still working on

Comments?

[Classic Gamer Nerd]

Another thing to add to the arguement would be kids and playing violent games. Games today are more realistic and viloent and have caused violent urges. We grew up with goomba stomping. Kids today are growing up with all kinds of stuff in games. Then they play out the game in real life. I personally wouldn't get a mature rating game for a future kid, and would make darn sure they never played them under my care. If I had a kid, I'd consficate said game if he bought it on his/her own until he/she reaches an apporiate age for said game.

That's another way for games being bad. Some people though are so anal that they blame the school/campus tragdies on violent games e.g. Columbine and Virgina Tech, Sure games might of had something but not everything.

I also agree with the postives that video gaming could bring

[Chris]

There's nothing wrong with video games as long as they don't hijack one's life. Some people just live for World of Warcraft and completely ignore their real life. As with most everything, video games should be enjoyed in moderation(What am I, a beer commercial?). As long as one keeps their priorities straight, video games can be a great hobby that can bring people together. Probably the most troubling thing about video games is that often one is just sitting on a couch and eating junk food. Nintendo has made strides in that department thanks to the Wii. However, everyone should set some time aside to get at least a little active and burn some calories.

[mignelli]

I dont think violent games are to blame for violent actions at all. I personally dont get hot after ripping a cyclops's eye out in god of war, nor do I feel the need to mow down a street of people with an AK-47 after playing grand theft auto. None of my friends do. Nobody I know does. School shootings happen because kids get picked on alot, or because theyre from a different country and dont know anyone and are suicidal about being away from friends and family. I think games are a portal to escape from everyday life, and to enjoy free time. Not to get you pumped up about blowing somebodies brains out.

[Grooms]

I agree to pretty much everything that has been said.

Video games are fine to an extent. As long as you have your priorities straight, gaming is wonderful for free time. Unfortunately, I was also someone who played video games before doing my homework, haha. I think video games have further developed my procrastination traits. I disagree with NN about them helping extend your memory, because I've played video games my whole life, and I can never remember anything. Although, I blame that on cell phones XD.

As for violent video games, I think they are ok for ages 18 or older. I've never heard of anyone killing anyone from playing video games, but they still aren't good for the younger crowd. Sometimes kids DO mix reality with gaming, just as they might from watching shows like Power Rangers and such. I've had younger kids for neighbors who hit me with plastic swords and tell me they're going to burn down the house across the street. But that isn't entirely video games faults. Parents have a key role in this, because too many of them let younger children play games like Grand Theft Auto or whatever. Most parents don't even realize what are in those violent games. I think violent games need to be more clear about what is in them on the cover.

Desensitization is a major issue with violent video games as well. When you're shooting down innocent people in the streets of GTA, watching blood pour everywhere, you get used to violence. Although, to be fair, just watching the news every day can desensitize you just as easily.

I think as long as kids are playing games that are MEANT for their age group and are keeping their priorities in order, video games are fine.

Also, side note. I hate when people claim Nintendo sucks because of their "kiddy" games. The reason I LOVE Nintendo more than any other gaming company is because they are "kiddy." I don't understand why killing people can be considered a GAME.

[NintendoNerds]

May 7, 2008 21:51:06 GMT -5 Grooms said:

I agree to pretty much everything that has been said.

Video games are fine to an extent. As long as you have your priorities straight, gaming is wonderful for free time. Unfortunately, I was also someone who played video games before doing my homework, haha. I think video games have further developed my procrastination traits. I disagree with NN about them helping extend your memory, because I've played video games my whole life, and I can never remember anything. Although, I blame that on cell phones XD.

Perfect...finally someone that retorted I like that. Let me elaborate on a few things to back up my point.

Here's a good example: You're playing games like Metal Gear (NES), Bomberman (NES), and Mortal Kombat II (SNES), which are all pretty intuitive, detailed, and memory-oriented games. These games are just a few of the many examples that involve a great deal of memory.

Metal Gear has items like different cards that open up different doors and items that do different things and that are used certain objectives in the game. There are quite a few items...and doors in that game.

Bomberman requires a great deal of patience, and memory as well due to the fact that you need to remember key instances in the game in order to accomplish necessary tasks.

Mortal Kombat II...need I say more? Think about how many fatalities, babalities, and animalities there are...not to mention secrets that are buried deep within the game.

By repetition and repeated activity, the human brain can memorize, process, and store an exponential amount of information.

I personally know people who have played Metal Gear so much, they know where each and every secret is, can regurgitate countless fatality combinations, and recall where most items, spells, and towns can be located in games such as Final Fantasy.

By repetitively exposing the mind to such things, I do not see how it cannot improve one's memory state. By constantly exposing the brain in that aspect, the brain becomes exercised and more stimulated.

I'm still sticking to my point that video games enhance and increase an individuals memory capacity

Other games that are great are Brain Age and another one but I forgot what it was

[Classic Gamer Nerd]

May 7, 2008 21:51:06 GMT -5 Grooms said:

further developed my procrastination traits. I disagree with NN about them helping extend your memory, because I've played video games my whole life, and I can never remember anything.

I am on the fence with this statement. I've played through games so much that I can beat them in my sleep. I Remember everything about the game.

Ask me to recall something like yesterday's history notes or something that matters, then I can't

[Grooms]

Well sure, I can remember every single thing about a video game if I play through it enough times. As far as dates, addresses, and just past experiences in general go, I have a hard time remembering anything.

[tails]

Well games always made me remember so much stuff, like when we were lost down town (i was 7) and i found the way out using my photographic memory, and games really improved my memory i can remember a lot of stuff due to them.