The Video Game

I'm sure most people living in the 21st century have been acquainted with video games, but I'll briefly explain. Video games are games played in an almost virtual reality that is shown either through a TV screen or a computer monitor. Games have been around since the 1980's and are getting more and more advanced as we speak. There are three systems out that are dominating the market of video game sales. Nintendo's Wii, Microsoft's XBox 360, and Sony's Playstation 3. All are selling very well and most likely some or all the people in this class own one of these systems. The games are fun, and they are becoming more and more realistic. The first games, PacMan, Space Invaders, Pong, were all video versions of different material games, crossword puzzles, or even sports. Now the games are diving into the future, into territories that a person under normal circumstances probably won't be able to participate. I think that is where the "addiction" lies. The hook is the fact that these games are giving us a look into places and things that we've never imagined could exist. Next time, we'll find out who exactly is playing these games...

Video Game Appeal

There are obsessions that are devastating to familys, friends, jobs, social lives, etc. Examples are alcohol, drugs, pornography, gambling, and even fantasy football. One such obsession is not often talked about but can still be harmful to the well being of the addict. Video Games. Video games are played by virtually all who can afford them, even if you don't know you're playing. Just like every other addiction, video game play is harmful only if done in excess. Alcohol alone is not enough to break a marriage up but excessive drinking is. It's the same for video games. I personally enjoy playing games on our Wii and games on my computer. But there are some who take it to the extreme and play whenever possible. My example is one of the guys I know goes to work 8 to 5 then plays from 5:30 to 3 every night just to wake up and repeat the process. Is this addiction? If it is then we could also conclude that spending time with your family is addiction too because don't we do that every night? Probably a bad comparison but you get the gist. So, in the coming semester I'm going to dive into the video game realm to understand what's behind the controller.