Ethical Gaming: Can Video Games Be A Force for Good?
Akeem Lake
Florida International University
CGS 3095 Section RVC – Spring 2018
Abstract
Video gaming has always had a negative impression on individuals who believe that it causes more harm than good. However, studies have shown us otherwise. Some people believe that video gaming causes individuals to become more violent, less attentive, less intelligent etc. In addition, when talking about the topic of video games, many believe that it only relates to kids and teenagers. Even these claims can be attached to a small portion of the millions of games out there, it doesn’t accurately represent the overall effects gaming has on users.
Ethical Gaming: Can Video Games Be A Force for Good?
1. Introduction
Video gaming can have a positive effect on the minds of individuals of all ages. Playing video games has become a common pastime amongst individuals. With increased technology in the gaming world, it allows more individuals to use video gaming as an escape from their everyday life. Games can come in a variety of genres, packed with unique forms of entertainment that fits with the needs of the various individuals; However, over the years this has prompted discussion regarding the impact this has on people. Discussions such as the negative effects on kids due to violent or graphic images. This also includes the belief that individuals who play videos are less intelligent and leaves users lacking necessary social skills; However, recent studies have shown that video gaming, in moderation, can have a positive effect on individuals of all ages.
In section one, I will discuss the different video game rating categories and why they are important. Section two will include the increasing popularity of video gaming. In section three, the negative effects of video gaming will be discussed. Followed by section four, where I will highlight the various positive effects video gaming has on individuals. While in section 5, I will conclude my paper by highlighting all the points discussed.
2. Video Game Rating Categories
Over the years, technology in the gaming world have shaped the various genres that have been introduced, as it grants us the ability to do more than we could have in the past. Now, individuals can play as their favorite superhero at any moment, play with their favorite sport as their favorite player, buckle up in the driver’s seat in their favorite car, or even role play as soldier in the heat of battle. Gaming has allowed individuals to tap into worlds they can only dream of, anytime and anywhere; However, not every is suited for every user. This is why games include different rating categories, much like movies and music.
2.1 Family Friendly Games
According to ESRB, a vast majority of games are family friendly. In fact, out of the 1,948 games that we assigned a rating, 34% were rated for everyone, 22% were rated for everyone 10+ due to difficulty and 31% were rated teen. This is a common trend in the gaming industry, by making majority of the games available for purchase age appropriate. With 88% of the games released being age appropriate, it leaves the responsibility on the parent to decide what game their kids play or don’t play. However, as much as we may like to think that individuals follow these ratings, that isn’t always the case.
2.2 Mature Games
In addition to the aforementioned percentages, the remaining 13% of released games in 2017 were games with a mature rating. Similar to mature ratings for other media, it discloses that includes graphic content such as “intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and strong language” (ESRB). Despite the advisory, this is category is often seen as one of the main reasons why gaming receives a negative response. It is believed that these games influence people, especially teens, to be violent and engage in criminal activity. For example, Grand Theft Auto, a game with real world design and reputation for violent and gory scenes, created a political debate on whether the video game is linked to a young man committing a mass shooting in Washington, D.C. According to an article published in Forbes, “the event sparked calls for censorship of video games, with members of the media claiming there must be a connection and that not enough research has been done on the violent side-effect of video games”(); However, there are no studies that have shown significant results linking violent video games to violent behavior. In fact, a WMU associate professor of sociology named Whitney DeCamp states that, “evidence points to either no relation between playing video games and violent behavior or an insignificant link between the two” (CNN source). After examining over 6500 either-graders in 2008, students were questioned on the topic of violent video games. The results of this study revealed that he regardless of how bloody and gory a game is, it could not predict violent behavior. DeCamp even suggest that these games may even help reduce possible violent behavior, by viewing it as a way to “keep people off the streets and out of trouble” (CNN source). This adds to the notion that these games offer a way to allow users to safely release aggression. Studies are still being conducted regarding the long-term effects, however, results have shown that there is no direct link between violent games and violent behavior.
Video game ratings serves as a good guide for parents and guardians to monitor what children and teens see. Mature videos should not be censored, especially when the companies disclosed the intended audience. Since video gaming has gain popularity among all age, trying to censor is view as inconsiderate among adult gamers.
3. Video Gaming Popularity
Video games have long been thought of as an activity only relating to children and teenagers; However, this notion has since changed over the years. According to The Guardian, “the average age of players is now 30, which is 10 years older than it was a decade ago.” (Helmore). The increase in average age could be due to various reasons. For example, video gaming can now be a full-time job, through live steaming and/or competitive tournaments. Which is why this fact is seen as a downfall. Studies show that globally, gamers are spending over a billion hours every day playing video games (helmore). This could be seen as a problem when it comes to the idea that individuals spend too much time gaming. The times spent playing video games has increased by 50 percent since 2003 (Ingraham).
4. Negative Effects
Since the time spent playing video has increase, attributes like a loss of productivity will occur as result. We often hear that too much of anything is bad for you and playing video games is no exception. Gamers who aren’t mindful of their playing time, may also see a decrease in physical activity such as regular exercising or playing sports. Which are important to parts of an individual’s health. In addition, another downside a gamer may experience is financial burden. There’s no secret that purchasing video games is not always cheap. Even though the price of video gaming systems has decreased over the years, it can still have negative effect on someone’s finances. Popular gaming consoles can cost between $299 on the low end and as high as $499. These prices don’t include gaming computers, which can cost upwards to thousands for a high-quality system.
5. Positive Effects
Despite the negative effects, there a many positive benefit that results from play video games. For example, gaming in general exist as a form of getaway from our everyday lives. Overall, gamers agree that gaming makes them feel better after coming home from a long day. In fact, researchers claim that playing video games may even help treat depression. In a study conducted in New Zealand to study treating mental issues such as depression, they found that video gaming can serve as valid alternative to traditional methods of therapy for kids and teens. In addition, gaming exercises your mind and slow the process of mental aging. According to HuffingtonPost article, “whenever you do anything that requires mental energy, like video gaming, you’re exercising your abilities” (HuffPost). In their study, they had over 600 individuals over the age of 50 play challenging video games for several hours a day for 6 to 8 weeks. The study displayed a halt in natural mental decay.
Other benefits that comes from playing video games include, “Enhanced learning ability, Improved decision making, Improved hand-eye coordination, as well as improved focus and attention” (GamingDesign). All of the aforementioned elements contribute to improving the mental state of those who play video games regularly. In addition, gaming in general is absolutely enjoyable which is why it’s a huge part of the lives of so many people.
Overall, individuals who play games in moderation can see various benefits. This includes, a decrease in mental aging, better decision-making skills, improved eyesight, better hand-eye coordination, improved attention and focused and a depression reliever; However, there are also negative effects that may arise as well. With an increase time spent gaming, users will see a decrease in productive as a result. This could be due to addiction and could affect the gamers physical health. Overall, gaming can be a used for great things, it can be a full-time job, part-time job, or a worthy hobby. However, these positive effects stem from gaming in relative moderation and can beneficial for those who game regularly.