Entry #4: Video Games, The Root of Evil?

Video Games, The Root of Evil?

(controllers used to play on console)

It is safe to say the video game industry, dominates this generations use of technology. For some background, according to a quick google search, America has spent an average of 36 billion dollars on video games last year. Now as crazy as that sounds, in recent media and news, it is believed that video games have raised the crimes of violence in our youth. 

(video game rating chart)

Before we look at the numbers and critic reviews of this fun hobby, let's review a chart that actually lists which games will contain violence. The four top letters: "EC, E, E+10, and T"; are acronyms that have right above their lettering, their intended audience. E, is recognizable as being know for "everyone". E can be enjoyed...well by everyone, as it is simple in complexity and has little to no violence (lack of blood or gore, cursing, realistic deadly weapons, nudity), for example; Mario Kart or Tetris. Now if we look down to M, rated for mature, we have a larger area of content that is questionable. From nudity and obscure scenes, to violence on humans or animals; for example the popular franchises Grand theft auto and Call of Duty. M rated video games are intended to be played by people older than 17, however majority of the time they aren't. 

(young boy playing Grand Theft auto: San Andreas)

Although you must be 17 to purchase an M rated game, it's not against the law for anyone to play them. Which brings up my point, is it the child's fault for playing a game given to him? Lets say video games do cause violence in children, whose supplying them with the violence? It's illegal to supply a minor with alcohol, so does this mean parents should be arrested for creating future monsters? NO! M rated video games make up approximately 12% of the million games out there, while E makes up 46%. That being said there isn't any excuse that video games are hard to find for children to play. 

(young boy thinking)

Now with all this in mind, are video games bad? NO! They can be therapeutic and excel the mind with puzzles, quizzing, exploration (Legend of Zelda, Animal crossing, Subnautica).They teach to work for a reward and to use trial and error when making a mistake, Minecraft will teach patience, let me tell you. I can say Cooking Mama made me interested in all unique foods. Are video games made intending to cause violence? NO! If you had to choose between giving an officer or a criminal a weapon, who would you choose? If you place something in the wrong hands it can lead to danger because of irresponsibility, that's why children need to stop being allowed to play games anything above their level. Are video games making children violent? YES! Their little minds are being exposed to subjects they shouldn't even be thinking about let alone participating in. Grand Theft Auto exposes them to violence, narcotics, blood, theft without reprocution; while Call of Duty shows the false realties of war; as well as, violence with guns, blood and gore, sexual themes, and torture! It isn't the gaming industries fault, it's the supplier. Have you heard of a parent purchasing 50 shades of Grey for their 12 year old? Why is buying a mature game for a child any less disturbing.  

This is a long entry with a lot to cover, point being if you're a parent and have gotten your child a game they shouldn't play, because they deserved it, I can't judge. At least explain the reality of life and a game are two different things, kids will be kids, I mean kids use to smoke in the 60's. But don't push the blame on companies who supply the demand. Stay tuned for later entires!