Why Children "totally shouldn't" play video games

wasduk looks at the main reasons children totally shouldn't be let near video games

[kingdip90]

This is actually a good article and not at all what I expected to read.

I agree, people have some really nonsensical opinions of how video games effect people.

[Arkworthy]

Same here.
What I expected: "Wah wah stop calling videogames bad"
What I got: Actual reasoned and structured arguments with appropriate evidence.

[ravinash]

I enjoyed reading that and it was wel informed with good points.

Read it!....and then get your non gaming friends to read it.

[CursedHero]

Yes, this is so refreshing!

[KillrateOmega]

Intelligent and well-thought out articled.

Personally, I've managed to mostly avoid suffering the usual stereotypes that come with people discovering that I play video games, but I do have a few unpleasant memories. Stereotypes are always aggravating.

[The Meerkat]

#1 Yup, I grew up weird.

#2&3 Not at all

#4 I feel my knowledge of History and Geography were greatly enhanced by the hours I spent playing Civilization on my Amiga.

[rageus]

Very good article. Rated up!

[Spore_777]

The last point resonated deeply with me. Truth all around. Great read!

[TuxedoMoon]

It's more about what kind of games kids are playing. Back in our day 15 years ago at least, games weren't so realistic or complicated. The most popular games were either Mario or sonic, there was no online so kids had to socialize and be well mannered (to come degree) when going over to their friends house. Arcades were also good places to hang out and socialize, though some of them doubled as as either a restaurant or a straight up bar. Though it was nerdy, the gaming community felt more social since you're seeing these people face to face.

Kids just seem to want to grow up too fast when it comes to games. Why is it that it's mostly adults buying Pokemon X/Y for THEMSELVES and it's all the kids talking about GTA and COD? My friend's 9 year old nephew, when introduced to the ps4 for the first time, didn't know who Sonic was, but knew what exactly COD was.

And then there's anonymity and online. HOLY CRAP kids should not have headsets. I try to play GTA online on ps3, but every room I join, there's at least 2 kids playing and arguing. It's the middle of the night on a Tuesday! Don't their parents hear what they're shouting? Don't their parents see what their playing?

15 years ago, even the most violent games were fantasy based. Mortal Kombat used real actors, but aside from Striker, everyone was either a Ninja or a Cyborg or a wizard. Duke nukem and Doom were FPS games fighting aliens. You weren't actually playing a game that tried to mimic real life (Today's COD/BF all about terrorist extermination and deserts!). Violent games weren't as plentiful either. You weren't dealing drugs with realistic looking people, head shots weren't glorified, and "REAL" games didn't have to look as realistic as possible and DID NOT NEED A GUN!

When I say real games, I mean games that people consider...well..not kids games. Pokemon isn't a REAL game, it's for kids. COD and GTA are REAL games because they're violent and "deep." God of War is better than Bayonetta because God of war is "realistic" is another example I hear a lot. An old school example is that MK is better than Street Fighter because it's "realistic." That's the stuff I over hear kids saying on the bus anyway.

Simply put: Games today ARE NOT JUST FOR KIDS ANYMORE! The audience has expanded and the desire for games for Teens-adults has increased a lot. Parents have to watch what their kids are playing closer than before. No matter what I say here, most parents won't ever do any of this stuff. They'll still buy adult oriented games for kids and when they see bad stuff on the screen, they'll complain that the game company shouldn't be making this stuff. And then they'll argue that there's a rating system for a reason, the dumb parents will make up something about the rating system being weird and stupid when all they have to do is READ THE BACK OF THE BOX. 99% of the responsibility is that of the parents!

[Play2Win]

Nice one this is. I am still afraid of calling myself a gamer sometimes when I am out with friend and everything. Well, my broz know it but new people I am getting to know I a little bit afraid of telling that I love to play videogames. This all comes from this media hate against playing games. When you are talking about your favorite tv show you are normal and cool but when you say damn I can't wait for Thief to sneak around an things they think youre kind a freak.

[Codey47]

Well I think I've turned out well tbh

And I've only buried four people under the patio.....remember kids
a bag a lime and a spade/shovel is all that's needed.

[ravinash]

I recommend quick drying concrete....oh and never move house!

[Heisenburger]

Call me Ishmael...I feel as if I've just seen a white whale.

They scared me with the title and the choice of photo. This is, excuse me, a damn good article.

[Relientk77]

#2 isnt true at all