Spicy News @ Express Speed.

Video games have been blamed for a host of societal ills, from attention deficit disorder (ADD) to obesity to violent behavior.  This is a simplistic view that attempts to neatly compartmentalize issues that are actually very subtle and complex.  While no one would suggest that children should be allowed to spend all of their spare time in front of their favorite gaming console free from parental oversight, parents would be well served to look critically at the type of games that their children are playing and observe what skills children are using to meet the challenges of the game.  They may be pleasantly surprised by what they find.

Studies have shown that even seemingly mindless video games such as stereotypical sports and racing games help children develop hand-eye coordination and visual processing skills.  A modern action game, for example, may have the character interacting with multiple opponents and varied environments.  The key to success in these games is the ability to quickly identify elements of the environment that represent threats and to make the character react accordingly.  This is a highly complex skill and one that we all require every day.  Many of the skills that are acquired and honed playing such games are the exact same skills that are needed to safely drive an automobile, for example. 

Perhaps even more beneficial than action games are games that require the player to solve puzzles and complete tasks to progress.  Role playing games such as the popular Final Fantasy series are an excellent example of games that require the player to exercise his or her mind aggressively in order to meet the challenges that the games throw at them.  A typical game in the role playing genre may require the player to gather clues by reading books or scrolls, talking to computer based residents of the game, and observing the behaviors of various elements of the environment.  Only by solving the clues and synthesizing the results into a logical whole can the character defeat the enemy or acquire a needed item.  The thinking skills involved in many of these games are more complex than any that are taught as part of a typical school curriculum. 

In no way does this mean that video games are absolutely harmless.  Just like with any other activity, video games should be played in moderation.  Parents should take care to observe the video games that their children play to ensure that the content of the game is appropriate for their age and level of emotional maturity.  Extended periods of play should be combined with physical activity to ensure that the child does not suffer the ill effects of leading a sedentary lifestyle.

Video games have changed a great deal in the past several decades.  The monochrome and blocky video games of yesterday have been replaced with fully immersive and cinematic interactive environments.  More important than the technical advances, however, is the fact that many parents of today are from the first generation of video game players.  This means that video games are becoming a family pursuit instead of something limited to the younger generation.  This allows parents to make sure that their children can participate in healthy and mind building ways.

Video games are often criticized in the media and, to some extent, these critiques may be justified.  However, a child who is allowed to play video games that require him or her to continuously use his or her mind and employ critical thinking skills has a lot to gain from the endeavor.  Of course, video games should be played in moderation.  Parental involvement is essential to ensure that children enjoy video games in a way that is both healthful and educational.