In defence of the video game and its generation

VIDEO games have stormed into popularity with young people within the last decade, and it seems the future of the technology is far from over.

With millions of games consoles being sold every year, the business within the industry is growing rapidly.

But with success, comes controversy and opposition.

Many today feel that video games are evil and do nothing but steal the time and money from young generations.

For me, a video game enthusiast with a lifelong passion for video games, I feel that this is not the case.

Specific genres of video games can bring out the worst in people. Many games often paint things like gun crime and gangs in a positive light, meaning that crime is an ever present danger.

Many murders and massacres in the news have had video games stated as a motive, and this simply damages the reputation of the industry, and things like this cannot be simply overlooked.

These incidents are indeed tragic, but I feel they often influence people to form a biased opinion without looking to other ideas.

Many members of society feel that video games cause young people to be lazy, and they view the technology with suspicion.

The general response of 'Back when I was young, we were outside' is something I consider to be hollow.

If these technological advancements had been available earlier, would people in that time choose the outside over video games?

For me and my generation, video games have been in our lives since we were able to talk, and rightfully, we are accustomed to them.

Since older generations did not have video games, they brand it as being evil.

If they had been exposed as a child to video games, I can almost guarantee that they would share my same sentiment!

I feel that the world is rapidly developing, and soon the industry of video games will be one that is similar in size if not bigger than the film industry.

People feel that video games tear the family apart, whereas I feel that they can actually bring them closer.

One of the fondest memories of my childhood is sitting next to my dad watching him play video games on his computer!

Plus, the new human recognition software allows families to play together in fun and exciting games.

First person shooters are one thing, but they're not the only option.

Playing over the internet is also a suitable option for families to connect across the globe, as it may be one of the only times families can share some quality time.

Friendship can also be born via the media of video games.

However, there is of course the opposite, and cyber bullying and verbal abuse is an ever-present danger.

There are, though, methods of reporting this behaviour, overall making the internet a much nicer place.

Video game corporations also offer a lot to the young of today, despite their qualifications.

If they have a passion for video games, then they are eligible for employment.

Of course, this may be a smaller role such as game testers, but it's still a job from which they can make some money, even in the difficult times we live in.

Video games can also be useful for learning and education, because specific games are tailored to do so.

For me personally, playing a popular war game helped me to memorise dates during the Cold War which would be essential for my final exams.

My own brother went to university to study history because of an interest he developed through video games when he was younger.

Behind the huge stereotype which I feel will never be lifted, there is another, more useful side to the video games of today.

I feel that people need to broaden their minds as to the possibilities present with regard to video games, and that people need to try to experience the activity of playing on games consoles before they mock and oppose the technology, much like any other thing in the world.

After all, the objective of video games is to entertain people by surprising them with new experiences.