IndexIntroductionAgainst violence in video gamesFor violence in video gamesPersonal opinionConclusionIntroductionWith the increase in popularity of video games, they have suffered a lot of criticism. To some, the idea of ​​using violence in video games as a form of entertainment seems vile and childish. One of the original games that alluded to violence was the "Death Race" game, released in 1975. Small stick figures were meant to resemble "gremlins" and transformed into tombstones and squealed when hit by the small moving car. (quote) Today's society would laugh at the content and context in which this game is reviewed. Some might say it's because we are desensitized to violence today. As technology advances and entertainment expands, violence will continue to be a key selling point of games. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay In Psalm 11:5, the Psalmist writes “The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence” . Video games are simply simulations, or even an outlet for anger and/or boredom, so it could be debated whether video games are truly considered violence or simply a simulation. Colossians 3:23-24 states, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as a reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” This verse has been interpreted in many ways. One perspective is that of an individual's talents, which are given by God, to play the game and share that belief and be proud of it when and if you achieve professional status in the game. Violence should not be condoned, but it is not harmful to society either. ("33 Bible Games]"Against Video Game ViolenceMany activists against video game violence link major events of terror and harm to video games and gun control. For example, on December 20, 2012, Adam Lanza walked into Sandy Hook Elementary with a 9mm SIG Sauer P226 pistol, a .223 caliber Bushmaster XM15-E2S rifle, and a 10mm Glock 20SF pistol. ("Sandy Hook Overview") Lanza killed more than twenty children in total; as a cornerstone for gun reform in the United States Many groups have attributed his motivations to video games, and caused his outburst. Dr. Craig A. Anderson, a psychologist at Iowa State University, said: None of these extreme acts, like a school shooting, it happens due to just one risk factor; there are many factors, including feeling socially isolated, being bullied, not being accepted by peers and so on […] But if you look at the literature , I think it's clear that violent media is a factor; it's not the biggest factor, but it's not the smallest either. (Anderson) On April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold enter Columbine High School with the intention of launching an assault on their teachers and classmates. Their written plans indicated that they planned to kill over 100 classmates, mostly athletes and club members. They successfully killed 13 and wounded 23 before killing themselves. Both Eric and Dylan were avid players of the popular game “Doom,” one of the first FPS or “first-person shooter” games on the market. This game was awarded to the US Army to help train soldiers to kill effectively. Further evidence was found on the boy's computers, which contained a customized Doom game with two players, both with extra weapons and unlimited ammo, set in a school. The victims were unable to reactor touching players while they killed NPCs (non-player characters). There are small groups that have risen to fight violence in video games, including MAVAV (Mothers Against Video Game Addiction and Violence) who have controversial statements including: "Textspeak Linked to Violent Videogames", "Videogames Not Fun", "Everything Just a Game to Gamers" and many others on the group's website. These groups seek to abolish violence as a form of entertainment.("MAVAV")Violent video games require constant participation and repetition with the violent character or player in the game. New game controllers allow for more physical interaction, games gain more interactive features and could increase the likelihood of youth violence. Violent video games cause players to associate happiness and reward with the ability to cause pain to others. Some games reward the person playing with new weapons, powers, and abilities depending on the amount of mayhem or kills achieved in the game. Studies have shown that when violence is encouraged and rewarded in video games, players tend to exhibit a more aggressive response and behavior than players of video games in which violence is harmful and punished. Some violent video games desensitize players to real-life violence. (Layton)The repetition of death in these games makes life seem like a joke or a game where you have more chances to repeat actions if you make a mistake. A 2005 study showed that violent exposure to video games was linked to lower P300 waves in the brain; these are linked to desensitization to violence and increased aggressive attitudes. (Peckham) Constant exposure to violence in video games is believed to reduce empathy in players. In 2004, a study conducted by Jeanne Funk on 150 fifth and fourth graders showed that violent video games were one of the main types of media associated with reduced empathy. Empathy is the ability to understand, relate and enter into someone's feelings, emotions and problems, which is vital for mental growth and moral balance and is believed to inhibit aggression. (Mosher) (“ProCon.org”) For Violence in Video Games Youth crime in America is on the decline as violent video games rise in popularity. The arrest rate for juvenile homicides decreased by 71.9 percent between 1995 and 2008. The arrest rate for all youth violent crimes decreased by 49.3 percent. During the same period, video game sales more than tripled. (Corriea) In Brad Bushman's recent article “Do Violent Video Games Play a Role in Shootings?” Bushman says: The problem is that people are looking for a yes or no answer about the role of video games in violence, when there is none. Violent video games alone probably didn't cause Alexis to go on a rampage. But these games aren't harmless either. Recent reports suggest he may have been mentally ill and had anger control problems. But it's not hard to believe that the use of video games may have contributed to this phenomenon. (Bushman) regarding the Marina courtyard shooting by Aaron Alexis on November 16, 2013. Studies have shown that playing violent video games reduces overall violence in adolescent boys by serving as a substitute for rough housing and harmful games. Playing violent video games allows underage boys and girls to express aggression or anger without causing physical harm. (“ProCon.org”) Some argue that playing violent video games provides a safe outlet for aggressive feelings. A 2007 study reported that 46% of kids played video games because “Iit helps vent anger" and 62% played because "it helps me relax." (Chang) Research showing that violent video games cause more aggression, and violence is because the Comparative game is not as engaging and exciting. A short-term increase in aggression and arousal does not mean that a child will leave their home and commit a crime or violent act as we have seen in video games, but violence continues to occur even in the absence of these games Video games provide safe and controlled environments where children and young people can virtually explore the laws, rules and consequences of their violent actions. Some violent games also allow young people to experience issues such as violence, war and death without consequences and effects collateral in the real world.(Whiteman) Violence plays a vital role in entertainment, the statement may seem harsh but when taken as a whole it is clear. Football, for example, is essentially an interrupted game of catch-up in which players try to crash into and harm the other team to achieve a common goal, a touchdown. Football is one of the most followed sports in the United States. But when we talk about violence in video games, other forms of violence in everyday life, such as sports, do not come to light. Wrestling is violence in its rawest form, with the goal of: hurting the other person as much as possible until surrender is achieved, or causing enough damage until the other person's body gives up and loses senses. This type of entertainment is nothing modern; can be seen since the time of the gladiators. These forms of entertainment are not avoided when talking about the topic of violence. When it comes to the topic of violent video games, most people seem to focus and worry especially about children and young people. As people mature, they tend to shed the skin of themselves and develop new moral ideals and personalities, usually for the better. The Corinthians mention it in chapter thirteen, verse eleven, saying, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child; I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I abandoned my childish ways." (“33 Bible […] Games”) This also applies to violent video games, when a game is just that, just a game. If you don't intend to do any real harm and are playing purely for entertainment value, there's no harm in doing so. A child will retain some of the input of whatever is given to him, violence, tragedy and war should be given in moderation. Personal Opinion When the topic of violence in video games and how it ruins children today is brought up, I get defensive. My brother and I both grew up with video games and love them as a form of entertainment and just entertainment. I feel they benefit much more than as a form of entertainment, but also help things like: reaction times, teamwork skills, tactical skills, puzzle solving skills, and even as a learning/teaching tool. Reaction timing is essential to being a good player, which is beneficial not only in gaming but also in real-life daily activities such as sports and driving. Teamwork skills help you get closer to friends, work together with peers and colleagues, and even help you excel in your career. Puzzle-solving skills apply to passing tests and solving general problems in everyday situations, which can also help you excel in your career. Video games are also a great teaching tool. The popular game “Minecraft” is implemented in elementary schools due to its simplicity and its,.