The Problem with Video Game Studies

Kotaku writes: "Video game studies - especially concerning violence -are a staple of weekend fare, and every time we put one up, the reactions are pretty typical. It's not to say they're wrong, but Chris LaVigne's examination may help you focus your thinking the next time you read about one of these things, and wonder how it got its results."

[Icemael]

This is so true. Violence isn't the only thing that makes one video game different from another, but I guess the mainstream media doesn't really care.

[Cinotix]

As I've said, they need something to blame so gaming is always the first option, whether it's murder, rape, theft, or assault they look straight at games like GTA.

[WengYong]

The problem with any form of study is that they usually only study one aspect of it. Why not bring the way children are raised into the equation? That would definitely change the studies up.

Also in terms of aggression Ive been more angry playing LBP than I have playing Killzone 2. Gaming aanger is gaming anger and it spreads across all genres

[Serg]

Call me weird, but I could break something after losing a match in NBA Street, but I find a nice online match in an FPS shooter kinda relaxing, whether I win or lose. I was calm the whole time playing God of War 1 and 2, 2 of the goriest games I've ever played. But when it comes to sports games my aggression level is alarmingly high.

[Ziriux]

As always the media has nothing else to blame but gaming for a teens trouble. Some investigating must go into these things before anyone jumps into conclusions.

[mau64]

the media thinks anger, hatrid, and all those other bad feelings are only like 50 years old... there are other things that cause these feelings.

[Funqy]

The media will report what sounds like it will make news and doesn't report the full picture with info from both sides of the story. Good article.

[Foxgod]

Games are meant to be played, not studied.

[Fishy Fingers]

Games are meant to be played, not argued over. Yet....

[Ziriux]

As long as there are fanboys the arguing will continue.

[Foxgod]

As long as there is n4g, there will be fanboy arguing.
We should destroy this site =) , its evillllllll!!!!

[table]

well foxgod, you are one of the worst culprits...

[Foxgod]

I am mostly a mirror, i reflect the current nature and state of n4g.
If it would be peaceful and happy, i would reflect happiness and peace.

Sadly i have to read tens of comments from sad phonyboys every day, which make me reflect their behavior.

So dont act like i am source of evil, i have a good reason for my behavior.

[Fullish]

Nah they need to be studied to figure out how to make a more violent game.

[cyclindk]

I can never get any studying done while I'm playing video games, wait, what was this article about again? <goes back to playing Killzone 2>

[ps92117]

Somebody here is responsible for my kids being violent and I want to know who, cause it certainly ain't me, come on now just tell me.

[Dead_Cell]

I feel more chilled out and relaxed playing a First Person Shooter than it makes me want to shoot somebody.
Online gaming breeds competition,and competition between people is a good outlet.