Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Why Violent Video Games are for Adults Only

Even though violent video games are constantly played by young audiences, many adults tend to make use of these violent video games. There's a reason why violent video games are meant for mature audiences not just for the content, but for mental purposes. I've researched some few topics for the proper use of violent video games. 

In an article for the purpose of violent video games, Ethan Gilsdorf explains why people need violent video games. His explanation provides reasons as to why violent video games are recommended for mature audiences. One thing I've noticed in his article is that "video game industry spokespeople are quick to note that no credible study shows a direct relationship between TV, movie or video game violence, and aggression."(paragraph 5) While reading this, I'm assuming he speaks for all adults that have more knowledge about violent video games. Interesting enough, he rhetorically questions is that, "paradoxically, could it be that violent video games are an important outlet for aggression?" (paragraph 8) Gilsdorf's topic on violent video games proves that most violent video games are recommended  for adults.

Another article states the proper use of violent video games played by adults. Not only do they mention reasons why violent video games are meant for adults, but for good mental purposes for increase in reaction time and hand-eye coordination. During the study, it stated that "six patients between the ages of 19 and 31 were tracked for a period of one month, in which they played the Electronic Arts (EA) video game 'Medal of Honor' for a total of 40 hours--no more than two hours a day, five days a week." (paragraph 7) The test proved successful in which "five of the six showed improvement in their vision, each moving closer to 20/20 from baseline ranges of 20/32 to 20/100, with improved ability to recognize faces, see small print and judge the direction of moving dots."(paragraph 8) Throughout the article, more facts and evidence provide a reasonable fact of why violent video games are only good for adults.

Because of these reasons, many adults tend to let their children play these games to gain some experience at an early age. I'm not saying its wrong to play violent video games with your child, but it would be a good opportunity to prove the difficulty of maneuvering the character throughout the gameplay. 

Resources: 

Gildorf, Ethan (2013, January 17). Why we need violent video games. Cognoscenti
                                                      Retrieved from: http://cognoscenti.wbur.org/2013/01/1   
                                                       7/video-games-ethan-gilsdorf

Violent video games good for your health? 'medal of honor' improves vision on five to 
                                                  six patients born with rare eye disorder (2012, February 21).
                                                  NYDailynews.com. Retrieved from: http://www.nydail
                                                  ynews.com/life-style/health/violent-video-games-health-
                                                  medal-honor-improves-vision-adult-patients-born-rare-eye-
                                                  disorder-article-1.1026273

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