About "Video Game Impact"

Video games have been on the market for more than 50 years, and many people around the world frequently play these games. While games were originally enjoyed in arcades and in homes, now you can play these games on your cell phone. With the increased accessibility of video games it might be important to ask yourself a few questions:

• Are video games psychologically harmful to children and adults?
• Do video games help or harm our economy?
• Can games be considered a meaningful form of expression?
• Is playing video games socially isolating?

As someone with a desire to create games and a drive for social development, I have noticed that these questions lack in-depth responses online. Mainstream video game websites, such as ign.com or GameSpot.com, rarely discuss the influence of video games.  These writers often write about how entertaining a video game is, such as a review of Borderlands 2 (Gallegos, 2012).  However,  the topic of the impact of video games is discussed on some websites like www.theesa.com. The Entertainment Software Association does provide facts about video games, but the association is compromised by members of the video game industry. Therefore, a discussion on the impact of video games that uses a wide varied of sources needs to exist.


I propose a blog addressing the issue of video games influence in the world we live in today with an emphasis on the psychological, artistic, financial, and social implications of video games.  I believe that an in-depth look into these areas using interviews and research from professionals is needed to have a good understanding of video games.  After gathering information, I will give tips and advice on how to enjoy video games without negatively effecting your life and people around you.

This blog will also include these topics:

• Online interactivity in video games
• How have video games helped in the U.S. economy
• How to play games and have an active social life
• Game spotlights on games that have shaped the world

About me:

I have played video games since I was 4 years old and I have vast experiences interacting with many other people who have played video games.  I have first-hand experience on how games can have a positive effect on someone’s life and how game addiction can be terribly harmful to some.  I also am an extended school day aide for the Lewisville Independent School District so I interact with children in kindergarten to fifth grade.  I have also seen the positive and negative effects video games can have on school children when they discuss games such as Angry Birds and Modern Warfare 3.


References 

Gallegos, A. (2012, September 13). Borderlands 2 Review.  IGN. Retrieved from http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/14/borderlands-2-review.