"Son, you're too old for these games!"July 21, 2014 by

We’ve all heard it at some point: some sort of blunt, generalized, and uninformed statement regarding video games and why we should not be playing them. There’s the all-too-common, “Aren’t video games for kids?” Then there’s the “Why do you waste so much time playing video games?” And worst of all: “Video games are really, really bad for you!”

Of course, if you’re someone, like me, that is passionate about video games, then you’ll know that these statements/questions are ill informed. Having played video games nearly all my life, and having done my fair bit of research on the ways in which video games are both valuable and harmful, I’d like to shed some light on the aforementioned statements/questions and outline the reasons for which each of them is wrong. (And I’ll be as objective as I can – no gamer bias!)

Let’s take a look at the first question about whether or not video games are for kids. I remember that, way back when I was a youngster, video games were (for the most part) geared towards children. Even that may be unfair to say, as the games were simply appropriate for children, but not necessarily geared towards any specific age group. They were merely supposed to be fun. The simple, playful design seen in Nintendo games, for instance, was taken to be childish by some, despite the fact that people of all ages enjoyed them.

Vintage Super Mario

Vintage Super Mario

As the gaming industry has grown, it has become possible for developers to target more specific audiences – something that was not as common in the past. More and more throughout the years we’ve seen games that have been meant specifically for kids or for adults, or somewhere in between. When you look at games like Call of Duty, Mass Effect, Assassin’s Creed, Dark Souls, and so on, it’s clear based on the difficulty, complexity, and maturity of the games that they are not intended for children at all.

So, then, it’s fair to say that video games are not only for kids for the simple reason that many games (arguably most games, these days) are catered to more mature audiences.

Now let’s turn to the second question: “Why do you waste so much time playing video games?” This is the one that really bothers me, personally. First off, consider the problems with the claim that one is “wasting” their time playing video games. The value of any given activity is entirely subjective. That is to say, there are no clear guidelines that dictate what is or is not a waste of time; in reality, these things are really only a matter of opinion. So to say that it is a waste of time to play video games is to make an opinionated, biased claim in the first place.

Video games are a waste of time... But this definitely isn't!


Second, to build on the first problem, almost all the people who criticize gamers for “wasting” time playing video games will spend a great deal of time on other things that can be considered equally, if not more, trivial than video games. In my experience, for example, I’ll often have someone who watches T.V. all the time tell me I’m wasting time playing video games. Such a person is essentially telling you that your preferred activity, though it is more interactive, more productive, and so on, is a waste of time, despite the fact that their own preferred activity is no better.

Everyone has certain things that they like to do in their free time that are meant purely for the purpose of enjoyment. For some it’s watching movies, for others it’s reading books, and for many of us it’s playing video games. As such, the response to the second critical question often asked of those who play video games is simple: We’re not wasting our time playing games any more than you’re wasting your time watching T.V.

Looking now at the last statement I mentioned earlier, it’s clear that this is the most controversial one. Whether or not video games are good or bad for you is a question that many people have been debating for a long time. To come to an answer, it’s best to consider some of the effects, both good and bad, of video games.

Imagine a kid only doing this, all the time. Looks lonely.

Imagine a kid doing only this, all the time. Looks lonely.

One notion relating to this debate is that violence in video games translates into violence in real life. For a time, most people thought that video games did in fact cause an increased tendency to be violent in those who played them. This was because studies showed a clear correlation between children who played games and children who acted out violently. More recently, however, a different set of studies have shown that it is more probable that the aggressive behavior seen in these children is caused by a lack of attention from their parents, as opposed to violence in games. The kids are left to play video games all day by complacent and careless parents, and so they become lonely and frustrated. Makes a lot of sense! (Note that I’m not going to try and find the specific studies I’ve mentioned, but that there are a lot of them that you can look up for yourself. I’ve taken several psychology courses in the past few years, and I’m simply reciting what my professors have shared during lectures.)

The issue regarding aggressive behavior is one of many similar concerns that tie into gaming. To a certain extent, these issues may actually be a cause for concern. It may be worrying that video games can become addicting, for instance. But as I just demonstrated with the violence issue, it is unlikely that video games specifically are going to be any more harmful in most cases than movies, books, and so on when it comes to these sorts of general problems that many people tend to have.

Now, having considered some of the bad, let’s take a look at some of the good. Video games have many beneficial effects on those who play them. This fact is undisputed, and obvious. When you play games, very often you are taking in and processing large amounts of information. In some cases, the information is actually historical and informative, and even in other cases involving more trivial information, the information is still beneficial as you are improving many of your brain processes as you take it in. On top of this, consider how often you are problem-solving while playing games. You are constantly analyzing information and thinking critically to deal with problems – these are essential life skills that you’ll find on most resumes! I can’t imagine just how much faster and more efficiently many of us are able to think thanks to our gaming experience.

So much information. I can't comprehend all the things.

So much information. Can't comprehend all the things.

Furthermore, many games improve coordination and precision. When you’re playing Battlefield or FIFA, for instance, it’s inevitable that you’re improving upon the aforementioned skills as you have to act quickly, accurately, and creatively. Take this ability and apply it to any other part of your life, and it’ll be clear just how beneficial it can be.

All-in-all, it’s clear that video games have their positives and their negatives, as is the case with most things in life. It’s also clear that it certainly is not fair to say that video games are bad for you, as many would like to claim. Again, video games aren’t any worse than any other pastime. All activities can be both positive and negative depending on how you take part in them. (Everything in moderation, right?)

So, having looked at some of the unfortunate questions/statements that are often directed at those who play video games, you’ve got to wonder why it is that there’s so much criticism coming our way, and not nearly as much surrounding other forms of entertainment. I definitely wouldn’t say that people mean any harm with their criticism of video games. Rather, I believe there’s a challenging stigma surrounding video games that makes people have an inappropriate view towards them.

To better understand what I mean by this, consider mental illness, for instance. We’re entering an era wherein mental illnesses are seen as serious issues that require treatment, as opposed to signs of weakness or insanity. Even today, though, it’s still difficult for many to openly speak of their mental illnesses for fear of being judged to be crazy. This sort of stigma is very much like the stigma that’s clinging to the video game industry. Many are afraid to admit to playing video games for fear of being judged, and the rationale behind any judgment is not based on good reason.

Gamer dads are cool dads.

Gamer dads are cool dads.

The good news is that, as is the case with all silly stigmas, this one is passing. The gaming industry is growing at an astounding rate, and today’s young generation is embracing it wholeheartedly. Consider me, for example. I’m an avid gamer, and will continue to be throughout my life. If and when I become a father, will I criticize my children for playing video games? No! Will my children play and enjoy games? Of course – with so many incredible games out there, and with the industry booming, how could they not? The time for video games to dominate the entertainment industry is approaching, and the space for irrational criticism is disappearing.

In conclusion: video games are not only for kids, they’re not a waste of time, and they certainly aren’t as bad for you as some would like to believe. I think I’ve given sufficient evidence to support these claims, and I hope that more people will begin, with time, to properly understand this wonderful industry.

To all who have actually read this entire post: thank you! Feel free to let me know what you think of this first blog in the comments.

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