Violence In Video Games

Computer games can be said to be getting worse generally if they become more violent. It is a sad comment on society for the complex development of the computers to be used as a means to simulate violence, murder, and death. Why video games so often revolve around violent themes is as basic of a question as why popular media titles such as movies so often also depict violent themes. The unquestionable fact is that multiple exposures to violence of this sort is desensitizing. Some will argue that without killing the game would have no fun, excitement, or adventure, which is of course entirely absurd. If a video game depicts "Space Invaders" as geometrical patterns to be destroyed, then that imprint is repeated and learned to become a basic thought pattern. We similarly see the same theme in Science Fiction movies, on the "War of the Worlds" or "Independence Day" variety. Patterning human intelligence to react violently through unconscious thought patterns to the visitation of intelligent life from other planets should not be encouraged.

The same applies to the violence of virtual beings against virtual beings in other video games. As video games become more graphically violent as to create calls for a ratings system, then there are other, greater needs involved. The strange fact that drives the market is that violence sells video games, which is a very difficult issue, as control over creative expression is not considered desirable in the industry, and is said to be driven by market demand.

Thus it is a matter of personal choice, as with any other media, that becomes the key: one should be very careful with what kind of thoughts one fills the mind with, whether they are coming from the video game, tv, movies, the internet, or any other kind of program. If video games that are imaginative and amazing are created using the top aspects of gaming technology, and include no violence, then they will attract more players. Young video game players may simply play the violent games because they are all so commonly available and not question the violent aspects of it, like a cartoon.

Tony James writes about the latest trends in gaming. Read more gaming news on his blog and you can pick up some free games from his website

AP - Warmed by the cheers of thousands, John McCain and Barack Obama plunged through the final weekend of their marathon race for the White House, the Republican digging for an upset while his confident-sounding rival told supporters, "We can change this country."