Videos games: positive vs. negative
November 12, 2013
As we near the season for new games and systems to be released, the controversy surrounding video game play runs rampant. And, with the release of new games, “gamers” are staying in to play these games. These games, which are thought to cause introverted behavior and poor health, are blamed for keeping said “gamers” inside, rather than going outside to “get some fresh air.”This belief seems to worry non-gamers because the gaming epidemic is relatively new to society, as are these games themselves.
Over the years, video games have evolved into an artistic medium whereupon writers and visual artists can express their ideas in an interactive and personal way. Games have become more artistic in nature, whether the idea is to interpret or simply enjoy the experience. In fact, some of the best-selling video games in the world are those that have better writing, and not better gameplay or action.
As of late, video games have become powerhouses of popularity. One of the major gaming companies, Entertainment Software Association (ESA), recorded last year’s sales at $20.7 billion. Also, in a recent study conducted by the ESA, it was estimated that 58% of Americans are gamers, are roughly 30-years in age, and have played for at least 12 years.
Perhaps the draw of these games is the intense adrenalin rush as a supposed artificial experience becomes more real the more the “gamer” invests. For example, the Mass Effect trilogy is a third person shooter with thrilling sci-fi action and suspense. When one talks about the game, rather than discussing the action or how to get past a certain level, “gamers” discuss the story. The action and adventure becomes minor in comparison to the game’s writing and emotional response.
Conclusive studies show that video games are not only non-harmful to players, but instead, helpful. The Federation of American Scientists stated in a 2010 study that kids don’t need to be away from video games, but, in fact, it’s quite possibly the best thing for them. This same study also stated that video games advocate creative thinking and executive decision-making.
People often wonder why “gamers” spend their days sitting around, living an artificial, and often isolated experience. They question the point of gaming.
These naysayers make assumptions that video games are inherently bad. In fact, organizations such as Mothers Against Videogame Addiction and Violence (MAVAV) state gaming is the worst way for someone to spend their time.
According to mavav.org, video games are becoming this century’s most serious epidemic, comparing gaming to drug and alcohol abuse. Also, this organization states that video games show a drop in intelligence; although MAVAV gives no source or attribution for these studies.
In a 2010 study, however, according to rochester.edu, cognitive scientists from the University of Rochester found that action based video games help sharpen the senses. The study also found these games boost decision making skills up to 25 percent, without sacrificing accuracy.
And, while it is true, many video games are sedentary activities where only a few muscles in one’s body are working at any given time, the video game industry has shown that it has intentions of remedying this issue. Peripherals such as the Xbox Kinect, the Wii, and the PlayStation Move have been developed in order to promote a more active lifestyle for oneself or their family.
It is clear that gaming has become an integral part of society. Video games require a significant amount of skill and practice, as well as provide entertainment for players and bystanders. At their core, video games serve a specific and profound purpose. Games are meant to convey a message to the player. It is important to realize that video games play a significant role in how some “gamers” live their lives. Thus, it is important to stop judging.
Video games not only take players on an adventure, but, tell a story. These games may even cause random bursts of emotion. Games are not created simply for online competition against random people, but to meet friends and establish strong bonds based on the fun they have doing what they love. Games are no longer just games, they are a lifestyle. Just as we should understand and respect any alternative lifestyle, it is necessary to respect that of the “gamer.”
Swarthmore College visit
Senior news staffer Seimi Park visits Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, where she has chosen to attend in the fall, and writes about her experiences on campus that lead her to this decision.
Swarthmore College is a selective liberal arts school that specializes in engineering and political science majors. Ranked 7th in the nation by Forbes and ranked #3 in liberal arts schools by US News, the school is known for its rigorous academics and prestige.
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to visit Swarthmore for their admitted students’ event, Swatstruck, which includes student panels, activities fairs, class visits, and more.
Located just 10 minutes from Philadelphia and within very close proximity to Washington D.C. and New York City, I expected the campus to look very industrial and urban, but I found that the opposite is true. Swarthmore was built within an arboretum and features acres upon acres of wildlife.
I started my day off by visiting two classes, Comparative Politics and Research and Analysis. Both classes had around 10 students and were more discussion-oriented instead of lecture-based. One advantage to attending liberal arts schools is the low student-to-teacher ratio, which allows students to build very close relationships with their professors.
After classes, I had lunch in the Sharples dining hall where I got to talk to current students about their favorite aspects of the school. Many noted the abundance of scholarships and grants for unique internships and research opportunities. The Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility, located on campus, helps students connect to these resources.
Despite the heavy focus on education, Swarthmore students have time for a range of fun activities, whether it’s spending the day exploring Philly, watching the games of the many Division III sports, or joining a wide variety of clubs, from The Daily Gazette newspaper to the Mother Puckers, a club for those interested in recreational ice hockey. There is virtually something for everyone and you will never be bored.
Most importantly, every student at Swat genuinely cares about his or her education and wants to learn, not for the sake of getting a high GPA or recognition, but simply to know more about the world we live in. Attending the event with such intelligent and motivated people inspired me to work even harder. I want to be the kind of person worthy to go to school with such incredible peers and the sense of community I felt is why I will be attending Swarthmore College in the fall.