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Should Violent Video Games Be banned?
The question of video games’ impact on young adults has surfaced again after the recent
El Paso shooting. The legality of video games has never been out of serious debate since the
advent of video games in the late 19 century. Arguments on both the support and against the
th
video games are in the media once again and agencies are lobbying to ban violent video games
naming them the main cause of the recent crimes. But the ban of these games without proper
evidence not only violates human rights regarding entertainment but also divests from their
proven benefits. The idea of banning violent video games from the departments responsible to
control crimes seems a childish escape from its responsibility. The idea of banning video games
is totally absurd not only because it is fun and has no role in the crimes but also due to its
economic contribution, and its support in the learning and development of children.
Firstly, playing video games is fun and it is not related to the violent crimes. Games are a
way to take a break from the real world and to enjoy the virtual gaming world. According to a
report published on Forbes, about 70% of Americans play video games and an average gamer
spends about 7.6 hours a week (Anderton). Video games are a very sound source of
entertainment and an escape from stress and boredom and has very good impacts on mental
health of the player. Moreover, video games do not possess any danger to the society. Though,
we may hear video games as the cause of aggressiveness and violent crimes happening recently
but numerous studies done on this have refuted this claim. Chris Ferguson, a psychology
professor at Stetson University who is studying this topic very meticulously, calls the link of
video games with crimes ridiculous. According to him, “The data on bananas causing suicide is
about as conclusive. Literally. The numbers work out about the same”(Draper).After refutation
of the strongest claim held against video games, there should not be any question about the ban
of this beautiful gift of the computing revolution.
Secondly, the economic contribution of video games is huge to be banned on any
unsubstantiated claim. Gaming industry has been a backbone of revenue and employment
generation of America. According to the research done by American Gaming Association, Video
game industry contributes $261B to the US economy: $40.8B in tax revenues to federal, state
and local governments and nearly 1.8M jobs across the country (“National Economic Impact of
the U.S. Gaming Industry”); the trend is similar in world economy. Apart from direct economic
impact, the gaming industry has been a pioneer in innovation and development of new
technologies. The Virtual reality, augmented reality, Artificial Intelligence and many other new
technology that the world boasts as the best invention of humankind are due to the gaming
industry. The large economic aspect of all these sectors is beyond measurement. Moreover, in
this time of technology, banning video games will surely find other ways to reach the consumers
bypassing the government and depriving it from the great economic benefit. So, the world should
recognize this contribution from this industry and give due respect which it deserves.
Thirdly, the positive impact of video games on learning is enormous. Video games have
the ability to produce the virtual environment for learning which is not possible in real life.
Various games involving the celestial space, microscopic environments and other unattainable
environment has made the learning process much more effective. Also, the advent of video
games has generated interest towards IT in the new generation. Many established IT
entrepreneurs like Elon Musk and Bill Gates proudly announce the cause of their interest in the
IT industry was video games. In fact, Elon Musk even created a video game, named Blastar, and
sold at the early age of 12 (“ Elon Musk”). Apart from these psychological aspects, video games
with fights and shootings are reported to strengthen coordination, visual skills due to
strengthening of sensory function of our neurons and the brain (Dreifus).These games played in a
team are also found effective in learning cooperation and strengthening social bonds. These
games are a source of learning, development and entertainment for children and adults, and teach
the important knowledge that is very difficult to learn in school and society in this age of
individualistic life.
Evidently, video games have a very positive impact on the player and the country and it
is, in no way, a threat to the society as it is blamed upon. Video games are a very good source of
entertainment and a way to escape from boredom and stress. Also, video games are a suitable aid
for learning as tools of learning as well as a process to develop the cognitive and reactive ability.
The economic contribution to the country in terms of revenue and employment opportunities
generation can never be neglected. As suggested from various researches, video games are not
responsible to cause the violent crimes as advertised. The loose gun-ownership law, the hatred
being spread by the media and the intolerance rising in the society are main to blame in the case
and the government must be responsible to look after these real reasons rather than using video
games as an escape plan.
Works Cited
Anderton, Kevin. “Research Report Shows How Much Time We Spend Gaming [Infographic].”
Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 21 Mar. 2019,
www.forbes.com/sites/kevinanderton/2019/03/21/research-report-shows-how-much-timewe-spend-gaming-infographic/#187e1b333e07.
Draper, Kevin. “Video Games Aren't Why Shootings Happen. Politicians Still Blame Them.”
The New York Times, The New York Times, 5 Aug. 2019,
www.nytimes.com/2019/08/05/sports/trump-violent-video-games-studies.html.
Dreifus, Claudia. “How Video Games Could Improve Our Vision.” The New York Times, The
New York Times, 27 Aug. 2012, www.nytimes.com/2012/08/28/science/how-videogames-could-improve-our-vision.html.
“Elon Musk.” Biography.com, A&E Networks Television, 21 Aug. 2019,
www.biography.com/business-figure/elon-musk.
“National Economic Impact of the U.S. Gaming Industry.” AGA,
www.americangaming.org/resources/economic-impact-of-the-u-s-gaming-industry-2/.