Video game- Just playing?

Video game attracts many people, and quite a lot of them are addicted! It is doubtless that the magic power of video game possesses. I used to be a huge fan of a video game which is about farming. But then I avoid to get addicted to any video game again because I realize that it will use up my time.

"Computer games are a global phenomenon and a $25 billion dollar a year industry. Over 800 million people worldwide are regular players. " (cited in Gamer Revolution)

1. What are some pros and cons of playing video games for individuals and societies?

Taking a positive perspective for playing video game, it is an education tool. Some games like Wii Sport, people can learn some basic skills of playing certain kind of sport. For some other games, you have to learn how to play group game, so it is like team cooperation skill. And use of tactics, ability of emotional control and some more specific skills related to the game are beneficial to gamers. Video game can be same as the game in reality, there are things to learn.

However, many people blamed about video game is it makes gamers violent. Video game includes first-person shooter game like "Counter Strike". Gamers have to win by shooting people in game. And the scene of game looks real, the blood splashed when the person got hit. Other than violencing mind, it also makes them have strong negative emotions.

In addition, some games can change people's mind towards thing.  There is a game about American army to kill terrorists in Arab. This creates an illusion that Arab area is the origin of terrorist. It may make people hate Arabian more often. In this sense, the setting and context of video game can be brain-washing implicitly.

2. According the film, is there any evidence that digital games can encourage aggressive values and anti-social actions in the real world? Do you agree?

It can reinforce gamers negative emotions while long-time playing violence games. In game, they are encouraged to shoot more people and never be blamed what they did in the game.

Not all gamers must be violent, but some are violent because of the game. We have to admit the negative effect it brought to gamer.

Definitely, what we do in daily lives, it gives feed-backs to us. So playing violence game long-time, and cannot totally detached from it. Gamers becomes violent is unavoidable.

3. Should governments have the right to ban a certain game or place age restrictions on it? Why?

I totally agree to set age restrictions on certain kind of games. Take movie as example, we also agree that some context of movie is not suitable for kids or teens, like if the movie contains erotic or very violent scene. This is same for the video game.

But I don't think banning game is a good method. This may discourage game inventors in producing creative games. Any restriction put on them would possibly limit their imagination. As there are still ways to solve problem, like sending warning letter to the game company and stopping these games do advertising. Even the government ban the game, there are still ways to spread it out just like any other illegal products in world.