I have played games for YEARS. I am a woman and I have kids. The ignorant media that releases the end all be all answer to why people do evil things seem to think games are their perfect niche' for things they do not personally understand.So they assume people they are reporting to must be just as ignorant. People do good and evil, both exist. Evil and good are depicted in music, games, athletic games, soap operas, culture, books, television, real life,
and any form of entertainment. Millions of people watch football, and I would bet cash money out of all the whacko killers out there the demographic of people who watch football regularly and murdered someone are probably bigger than a person who solely plays video games, why? Because of percentages, and the fact more people in this country probably watch sports more than play video games on average.If someone is deviating from a healthy life of friends and family because of sports, gambling, food (Overeating), alcohol, a hobby or games, its an addiction. PERIOD. Anything can be addictive and can drive underlying unhealthy activities.Americans are such extremists that balance is hardly EVER mentioned in everyday life.I put God, family and friends first, finish my day and relax with video games.
Attention to parents:
1.If you wouldn't want your child to watch a rated R film, read the ratings on your video game box for content therein.
2.Don't do hysterical parenting.The media has been wrong before, be a parent and pick a game that you play with your child that meets their level of understanding of what is real or not, thats why movies have the rating "PG",
PARENTAL guidance, DUH. Even if you are terrible at playing, this isn't a competition WITH your child for crying out loud, its somthing your kid enjoys, don't be a loser, PLAY WITH your child once in awhile.
3. If its a one player, watch the storyline, read the guidebook, and find out what the story is before you cast judgment.
4. OK final word, BE A PARENT. Ride a bike, toss a football, go to the mall, watch a movie, walk the dog once in awhile WITH your kid, you might actually find out that video games may be the least of your problems.And for heaven sake, quit blaming video games if you aren't doing ALL of the above, and tell your kid you love them and you wanna go camping, in real life and in game.