Another shop that is closed for business -Game Station in Altrincham. Computer game shops are among the many victims of the decline in High Street shopping. They suffer from a double whammy: the worst double-dip recession since computers were invented plus people buying online rather than in person.
Do violent computer games make people violent in real life? It's an often posed question and our household is divided. One teenager says of course they do while the other argues that copy cat behaviour does not stem from pc games. It is of course a complex issue. Some people are going to be more predisposed to acting in certain ways, and their upbringing and peers will have an effect too.
Apart from the odd family game on the Wii and a Farmville flirtation a few years ago, I don't play them myself. I must admit that I am impressed by the graphics in some games though. Grainger Games’ Far Cry 3 was released recently and the Jules Verne-like tropical island and its inhabitants looked amazingly lifelike to me. From the Richard E Grant-like host to the flora and fauna, I did like the look of it. I might have been inclined to play or delve further were it not for the gore and violence that spoilt it for me (but I am not the target audience) and this just in the trailer. It is rated 18 for good reason.
Do Far Cry and their ilk keep people on their screens and off the streets, or do they lead to violence on the streets? What's your view on computer games?... Education, escapism and entertainment are surely good things?
The nature of the argument seems little different from when we played cowboys and indians with toy guns - after initially joining in I discovered I wasn't comfortable with it - I think for most the fantasy will be enjoyed as a fantasy divorced from reality but alas for a few the fantasy will become reality so as always there isn't a definitive answer.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy playing some games as a form of entertainment and escapism - a sort interactive tv programme. I've been playing Skyrim on and off for some time since my son bought it for me last Christmas. Its Icelandic landscapes and open-ended storyline keep me engrossed, as do the ease of controls.
ReplyDeleteBut there can be no denying that it is violent. My view is that all games are entertainment for the majority of people, but I'm sure that for some they reinforce existing behaviour rather than being the cause and effect.
Computer games are such a colossal waste of time - and the violent ones such an inhuman way to spend your life. Personally, I'd sooner use my imagination, and read a book, but I know I'm in an inceasing small minority. Sad to say.
ReplyDeleteI imagine this kind of games, are very popular between teens!I like Tomb Raider! :)
ReplyDeleteLéia
Funny you should ask, Chrissy. The other day when we had the grandchildren around I got out some board and card games. It was as if I was introducing the girls to something new. A great time was had by all. Yes!
ReplyDeleteMany such shops did close over here as well. Can't remember the last time I played a game with the computer. Must be decades ago. Yes, I think, that alike games do have an influence on behaviour. Luckily our son is just five and we still have a few years time to breath before arguments will start ;) Please have a good Friday.
ReplyDeleteI do find if I play a game for a while I do start to think about it a little. e.g. If I have played a racing game for an extended period and then go out in my car I have to make a conscious effort to drive carefully. Similarly having played bomberman for a while I was very conscious of where there was a corner I could hide behind. You would understand if you have played the game. Have only had this with computer games, not with physical games Never felt the need to explore dungeons for example
ReplyDelete