If you’re like most parents, you’re probably confused over the number of reports that argue against the use of video games as entertainment. Some of the information in these reports is quite convincing. After all, they’re written by psychology experts, child educators, and social science professors from esteemed colleges or other similar institutions. And the arguments presented within these reports make sense. They’re based on years of research and they may even resonate with experiences you’ve had with the children in your very own social circle.

On the other hand, it’s important that some of this information be taken with a grain of salt. Rarely will you see a report that argues on the side of video games, and that outlines the positive attributes that time spent with a Nintendo system or Sony Playstation generates. With all the negativity surrounding these products, one could easily think that Nintendo and Sony were evil manifestations of the devil himself! But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Nintendo system and Sony Playstation are mere platforms for video games that range from educational lessons to downright questionable material. We can’t argue against the latter. There *are* some inappropriate video games in the public, but does that mean parents have ban the entire video gaming industry altogether?

Absolutely not - and to do so, in our humble opinion, would be detrimental to childhood development. That’s right - detrimental. We don’t believe this claim is a leap of faith, because just as there are reports that dissuade video gaming, there is a tremendous amount of evidence that suggests why video games are an important part of growing up. This evidence points to things like hand and eye coordination, the ability to focus, perseverance, and improving problem solving skills.

This evidence should give parents a bit of comfort in knowing that the gaming industry in itself is not the issue. The issue is instead, the parents’ choice of video games that are allowed in the home.

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“The video games are widely used as educational tools, not just for pilots, soldiers and surgeons, but also in schools and businesses. video games require players to construct hypotheses, solve problems, develop strategies, learn the rules of the in-game world through trial and error. Gamers must also be able to juggle several different tasks, evaluate risks and make quick decisions. Playing games is, thus, an ideal form of preparation for the workplace of the 21st century, as some forward-thinking firms are already starting to realize.”

- The Economist, August 4, 2005

Thought-provoking isn’t it?

We find that the video games have weaseled their way in our living rooms and into our family dens. And guess who is leading the charge? The parents! Can you believe that?

A solid 70% of the heads of households play video games. I was mistakenly under the impression that the children were pleading and begging their parents to buy these games.

But no! It’s the other way around. And to add fuel to the fire, the average age for the video game player is 33 years old. Imagine that!

A whopping 44% of gamers fall into the 18-49 year old bracket. Moreover, 31% of gamers reside in the 18 and under area, but hold onto your hat for this last bit. I’m talking about Granny and Papa. A startling 25% of gamers are 50 and over! I’m absolutely stunned!

From the country inns where grandparents reside, to the cities where their families have moved, you can find gamers. We don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel that leads to the video games. We still have a long way to go.

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In earlier days, the most popular form of video games was computer games. Initially, computer games were essentially computer-controlled. Players would interact with the device to achieve predetermined targets and goals. Video games too are a form of computer games wherein a video display with interactive and vibrant visuals is the main focus. The display itself is designed to provide a player with feedback as the game continues.

Video and computer games have become immensely popular during the last three decades. However, this was not always the trend. These games came into existence almost five decades earlier but were never in demand in their initial years.

Video games have been ever evolving. Modern technology and innovations have helped create realistic and interactive games. These entertainment games were not as sensible when the concept was first being experimented with. Just like other forms of technology, video games too have had to evolve through many generations. This itself is testimony to the fast development of video games.

The 32-bit/64-bit era was the fifth generation of video game consoles. The 16-bit era was the fourth generation of video game consoles. The year 1983 and 1984 were blacklisted in the history of video games. It saw the unexpected fall and abrupt crash of the video game business. Numerous home computers and video game manufacturing companies declared bankruptcy. This crash also brought an end to the second generation of video gaming.

Today, the video game market is stable and booming. The popularity of video gaming pervades all age groups. Certain games are designed to attain goals and learn while playing. Video games are usually played to provide relief or as just plain entertainment. However, numerous game options are proving to be addictive. A number of parents and family members are complaining of compulsive and addictive behavior. This trend is noted especially in children and youngsters, who at times may lose sense of time because of the video games.

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