by Christopher Arnold

Created on: December 25, 2008   Last Updated: May 13, 2009

As you all may have learned from news media, video gaming has been considered a dangerous hobby for all ages and sizes, but recently you may have seen that new research brings up that video games are actually helpful for the brain. The media points out the worst of games like Grand Theft Auto IV, Manhunt 2, and Halo. They've pointed out that these games contain violence, bad language, and sexual themes. There are more to these games then your eye sees. They are comparable to some of the greatest movies of all time. Godfather is considered one of the greatest movies, but was it a completely clean movie? You know the answer to that. Games with such content could prove bad for teens if they don't completely understand the subject, but most teens in society understand what the world is about and realizes the difference between fantasy and life. It's just what interests them and playing video games is a natural desire as humans desire to do things in a area of interest to learn more. The storyline may be a bit questionable, but if you look at it more like literature or maybe view the hidden educational aspects; you may change your mind about the video gaming culture.

Video games in our newer generation has went way beyond the 'Pong' days. Story lines are as complex as a top movie and best selling novels nowadays. Even with the games that do not have compelling story lines normally contain some education value. Harvest Moon for example is a simulation video game about farming. It requires budgeting to be sure that you have enough money to live through the seasons, you need to make sure that you take care of your crops, animals require daily care and must be checked if they are in good health, and this list can keep on going. Games come more complex, thus making teens, whether if they know it or not, do some complex math skills, problem solving skills, and maybe covers several other subjects without really realizing it.

With video games in our lives, whether your a teenager or a family playing together, it can prove beneficial to your mind. If you play in groups with family and/or friends, you also develop social skills and team solving skills. The media may bash the current games, but most news stations just find the most interesting and most uprising story possible and writing about the violence in a game stirs up parents. Video games may have more to them then you may wish to believe.

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