Games Transform Their Players
There is some argument that games have a lasting psychological effect on their players, and that the effect may be a mix of good and bad:
Good Influences
- Entertainment - A game is a form of mental stimulation, and the experience is relaxing and pleasant
- Catharsis - A game provides an emotional outlet for frustrations that is less rude than carrying a rifle into a bell tower
- Skills - Some of the skills used in game play contribute to real-life problem solving skills
- Connecting - With multiplayer games, we can learn social skills such as negotiation and cooperation
- Education - A game modeled on real-world problems can serve as a method of educating the player about theoretical models
- Curiosity - An interest in a video game can arouse an interest in a topic (history, science, etc.)
- Creativity - Solving the unique problems in the video game environment can inspire creative thinking
Bad Influences
- Dysfunctional Behavior - There is a suggestion that the behavior in video games, which may include violence, encourage the same behavior in real life
- Addiction - Video games have been compared to drugs, in that some players become obsessive and ignore real-world concerns in order to spend time playing video games
In the end, the author suggests that these are political issues - but political issues you should be aware of when you develop (or propose to develop) a game.