The Value in Video Games
Running head: Position Paper Rough Draft
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The Value in Video Games Linda Garcia Devry University
Rough Draft
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Value in Video Games “Your mom hates this game!” was the slogan for a third-person shooter game called Dead Space 2 released January 25, 2011. The big question is ‘why would your mom hate this game?’ Why do many people in general oppose playing video games? Although they are packed with a bunch of violence, many people neglect the positive qualities in video games. Are there any positive aspects about them? Video games are valuable, despite their minor flaws, because they help develop valuable mental skills, could be a source of exercise, and they help with communication skills. There are three main reasons that get parents and adults to react so negatively towards video games. Avery strong reason is because they are violent and “rot your brain” (Raise Smart Kid). With all the games about war, sex, crime, and violence that are coming out, it is natural for parents to be concerned about what their kids are playing. Parents need to take the initiative when it comes to choosing the games wisely for their children. For example, all of the games have an individual rating for certain age groups. If it is rated M for mature, then the buyer has to be at least seventeen with a California I.D. to buy the game. Game Advisor from Game Stop, Robert Lopez, says, “I always ask the buyer if they are alright with a game being rated M because most of the time parents don’t realize what they are buying for their children. They just have this go-getter mind set to where my child wants this game so I’m going to buy it for them.” So although there are many violent video games releasing, there are restrictions and precautions on young children getting a hold of these games. Another aspect that drives people to dislike video games is the amount of time played on the video game because it leads to a greater risk of harming a child’s physical health. Obesity is one
1
The Value in Video Games Linda Garcia Devry University
Rough Draft
2
Value in Video Games “Your mom hates this game!” was the slogan for a third-person shooter game called Dead Space 2 released January 25, 2011. The big question is ‘why would your mom hate this game?’ Why do many people in general oppose playing video games? Although they are packed with a bunch of violence, many people neglect the positive qualities in video games. Are there any positive aspects about them? Video games are valuable, despite their minor flaws, because they help develop valuable mental skills, could be a source of exercise, and they help with communication skills. There are three main reasons that get parents and adults to react so negatively towards video games. Avery strong reason is because they are violent and “rot your brain” (Raise Smart Kid). With all the games about war, sex, crime, and violence that are coming out, it is natural for parents to be concerned about what their kids are playing. Parents need to take the initiative when it comes to choosing the games wisely for their children. For example, all of the games have an individual rating for certain age groups. If it is rated M for mature, then the buyer has to be at least seventeen with a California I.D. to buy the game. Game Advisor from Game Stop, Robert Lopez, says, “I always ask the buyer if they are alright with a game being rated M because most of the time parents don’t realize what they are buying for their children. They just have this go-getter mind set to where my child wants this game so I’m going to buy it for them.” So although there are many violent video games releasing, there are restrictions and precautions on young children getting a hold of these games. Another aspect that drives people to dislike video games is the amount of time played on the video game because it leads to a greater risk of harming a child’s physical health. Obesity is one
References: Blog, Addiction. "Are Video Games Harmful? | Addiction Blog." Internet | Addiction Blog. Addiction Blog, 22 Apr. 2011. Web. 08 Dec. 2011. http://internet.addictionblog.org/arevideo-games-harmful/ Blog, Addiction Garcia, Darlene. (2011, December 4) Telephone Interview. Raise Smart Kid. "The Good and Bad Effects of Video Games." Raise Smart Kid. Web. 03 Dec. 2011. . Stephanie. "Social Skills and Kids – Do Video Games Harm Their Social Life? » Home with the Kids Newsletter." Work from Home, Stay at Home Mom Jobs with Home with the Kids. Home with the Kids, 16 Feb. 2010. Web. 08 Dec. 2011. .