What Are The Bad Effects Of Computer Games

Over the last 60 years of computer games (yes, do some research on the history of computer gaming and you will find there has been games made since the 1950's) has become something of a pleasure pastime as common as going to the movies or watching cable TV.

Not so long ago roughly one in five households had a PC during the 'golden age' of gaming (the 1990's) making it somewhat of an expensive purchase and hobby. Today, gaming and the number of computers in the house are almost more common than having three or four HD TV sets. Gaming has made such an impact in much more the last ten years than the previous 50 years in many ways from outstanding revenue sources for game publishing company's to commonality of games on mobile and tablet(moving away from PC and laptops) devices.

But this has also seen a few problems arise along the way. Issues like multi player game addiction, with some spending huge amounts of time on a game rather than being spent in real life. Others like small outbreaks of violence at game stores on new game release days as well. Back in the 1990's it was deemed a cultural 'nerdity' to play electronic games back then. Since 2007 almost every member of every household now plays some type of electronic game, either with others or on their own. Gaming, even with all its inherent issues is now, very mainstream.

What does computer or PC games primarily provide us? It is essentially a form of entertainment, and for many years it was quite a solitary form as such. The difference with other forms of entertainment differed mainly with games giving a much more active form of entertainment.

Watching a movie, listening to music, and similar forms of entertainment provide a passive and non interactive form of indulgence. I can watch a movie, but I cannot participate to effect an outcome. With games, I can be the central character and I can actively participate whilst the story unfolds.

Until computer games, board games, desktop war gaming and role playing games were the closest to any form of being active with our entertainment.

Even if you have never loaded a CD or DVD with a game before, ask yourself, would YOU rather watch a movie, or be the main character and YOU decide his or her outcome in the story of a computer game?

With such power of interaction, there are also drawbacks to this wonderful form of entertainment.

The main issue is lack of interactivity. Until recently with online forms of gaming such as MMO games (massive multiplayer online) it was difficult and unwieldy to congregate a bunch of people to lug over each ones computer, cobble them together and hope and pray computer would operate the game for everyone to play.

The other aspect is so many of these games are solo efforts, you can tell even with the ability to join others online, first person shooter is different to a cooperative shooter style of gaming.

Stereo-types have built up over time about 'gamer-types'. Usually male, medium income, late 20's to mid 30's. The gaming community is much broader than this.

The main problem with gaming in all it's aspects is two fold. Firstly there is the problem of ongoing addiction to play. In its extreme form it is more addictive than medical or illicit drug taking and can drastically affect relationships with partners, loved ones, friends & family, work and views on responsibilities for self and others. Many people prone for this type of addiction suffer from constant withdrawal and feel worthless and detached if not playing the 'game'. This has seen such a massive rise in issue with games like World Of Warcraft and debate rages back and forth as to whom is the blame, the gamer or the game creators.

Secondly just as important is the issue of a seeming rise of the amount of blood, gore and violence in games. With continued play, our younger generation seem to be becoming less and less concerned with portrayal of certain behaviors in games. Studies show a rise in less favored behaviors of players with a rise in the nastiness displayed in games. Game creators, reviewers and players themselves argue differently. Again this is another eternal debate.

In my own country, Australia, such debates is the current situation as to why there is no adult classification of games here, our politicians and those members whom sit on our classification board are deemed very conservative for reviewing this any time soon. Hence there is no (BBFC or PEGI rating 18) as in the UK or (ESRB NC-17 or AO) as in the US.

Australia does have a classification of R for 18 years of age and above, but this is used strictly for cinematic movies, magazines of adult content and DVD movies. This is possibly a good subject for another hub.

Remember games are meant to be forms of short term fun and enjoyment. A break from the serious and sometimes responsible side of life. My personal favorite term is a 'serious distraction'. But as such they should be treated as short term fun. As with all good things, always in moderation. Play hard, play fast, be the last one standing and enjoy.

If you are someone who knows a person that seems to be playing games more often than interacting in the real world. Get them help. Certainly do not try to help them yourself or other family members, these people need professional assistance.