Video Games

Growing up with an older brother, video games have been in my life since I can remember. Starting with the second generation of video games, my family owned Nintendo '64 and SEGA genesis. Then we moved up to the handheld gaming system with the game boy. Moving along to the third and fourth generations of video games, we purchased the Xbox and Play station and ultimately ended up with the Wii. Now even our iPhone is equipped with various games to play as well. With each of these improved gaming systems came multiple new features and graphics in which made the games more realistic.

Video games are sometimes looked down upon for multiple reasons. For one, I’ll bring up the displacement theory again which is when a person chooses to use a newer technology and in turn has less time to send on other things. This relates to video games because people are concerned that since teens sit and play video games for hours on end, they are not socializing as much and not engaging in more physical activity. With newer game systems being introduced like the Wii, more physical activity is being done while playing these games and even includes games like the Wii Fit in which you work out.

Another thing that has changed as video games have developed is the age in which people play these games. The average game player is 35 years old and has been playing for over 12 years (ESA, 2009). Also, the number of women playing video games has increased to 40% of game playing public (ESA, 2009)  This fact is mind blowing to a lot of people because video games are stereotyped to be played by young males but just think about it. With ratings of video games being enforced, more graphic content and themes are allowed with a harsher rating in which draws an older audience. Also with the introduction of the Wii Fit, many older people have reporting using this system regularly in a way branching various generations together.

Newer technology will bring many things to the table for video games including 3D images and digital cameras that incorporate recognition of physical characteristics. I think there are both positives and negatives in video games but as time goes on, expect bigger and better. We are in a new generation full of new technology, it’s hard to tell what the future holds for video games but as far as I’m concerned, they aren’t as bad as people think.