Are Video Games as bad as they're made out to be?

Good evening guys, I hope you're all having a great weekend! I haven't done one these in a while, so I felt like I owe it to you guys! So, let's get into it!

Video Games. I play them, you play them (well you wouldn't be here if you didn't), we all play them. They're great. Such a wide variety of games and genres out there to indulge yourself in and get yourself lost in. Some of you might play for a moderate hour or two a night, where-as

This guy is making something great,
you can just tell.

some of you might play 5 - 6 + hours a night (you should be revising). However, some people think they're not as good as they're made out to be. Obviously, there's two sides to the Video Game story, and to give a fair argument I need to give both sides yadayadayada. You get the idea...

As a person who loves Video Games, and reports and writes about them weekly, to you, my loyal readers, I need them. If Video Games weren't a thing, what would I do, report on actual news?! Nobody wants to see that. Video Games, give me, and others like me, a chance to report on something that they love, I enjoy sitting here on my laptop writing for hours on end. It's fun. If reporting on Video Games is fun, how do you think making them feels? There's obviously hours and hours put into the process of making a Video Game, yet, being able to see your finished project out there, with people playing and playing, loving your game, must be an amazing sensation. I'm currently making a game at Sixth Form, and of course, it's no Call of Duty, but it's something I've worked hard on. It's a long and difficult process, yet the feeling I get when my friends are playing it, pulling their hair out because they can't make it over one particular jump fills me with joy, as it rightly should.

Video Games are also a wonderful source of entertainment. As previously mentioned, there's a wide range of genres out there, from shooters, to sports, to puzzle to sink your teeth into. As some enjoy watching sports, playing poker, etc, some enjoy playing Video Games. You have the ability to get lost in a great expansive adventure that could last for hours on end. Don't get me wrong, you can easily get drawn into a good game of football or a film, but do you have the ability to control what you're seeing in a game of football or a film? I don't think so.

"The TV is over there mate"

What about the physical benefits of Video Games too? It's been proven that Video Games not only improve reaction times in a person, but hand-eye coordination too. Reactions are very important, they could help you, I don't know, jump out of the way of that bus hurtling towards you, or maybe, catch your Grandma's priceless vase that you just knocked off the table. All very real problems that can be avoided!
Hand-eye coordination is also important. Playing FIFA is a great example. All the god-damn skill moves available to you, pulling them off without looking at the controller is a big task, especially from someone like me anyway. Also, typing. Can you type a whole paragraph w1ith0ut it l00kin like th1s? For those of who lucky souls going off to Sixth Form or College next year, writing essays and exam questions is something that happens often, as a current Sixth Former, I know. Being able to type without looking at a keyboard is a skill that is very useful.

As I said before, to give a fair argument I need to give both sides of said argument. Yeah I know, sucks right?

Grab a friend and play some games!

Video Games can lead to isolation and addiction in some. As previously mentioned, Video Games give you the opportunity to get lost in a great, expansive adventure. As great as that is, you can get TOO drawn into it. Ever had that feeling where you tell yourself "Just one more level", "Just one more round", etc? If you keep telling yourself this, you're never going to stop playing. You'll just want to keep going and going, staying inside by yourself and playing. Isolation is a big thing, and not a good thing either. If you want to stay inside and play Video Games, play with a friend, either online or physically. That way, you're reducing isolation and you still get to play. Win win!

Another side effect of Video Games is an increase in aggression. Have you ever played a game of FIFA or Call of Duty, then got incredibly frustrated as you keep on getting killed by that Level 1 noob who has no idea what the hell he's doing, or conceded a sweaty header in the 90th minute? I know I have, and it isn't fun. Controllers get thrown and words that should not be said get said. Ask my Dad, he knows! An increase in aggressive behaviour isn't good for anyone. Not yourself or the people around you, so keep it calm, alright?!

Now here's the bit where I give my final opinion, after giving each side a fair case, and I think you know which side I'm going to pick, well you should do anyway.

Me playing FIFA...

I love Video Games. They're great. The opportunity to get lost in a number of different ways is presented to you, whether it's taking your local club all the way to the top or saving mankind from the undead, the opportunities are endless. Without Video Games, I'd have to read a newspaper, or watch repeats of Friends again and again (not like I don't that anyway or anything). Video Games give me a chance to blow off some steam and relax for an hour or two, doing what I want in a world that isn't real. Where else do you get the opportunity to do that? I love Video Games, and honestly, I don't think they're as bad they're
made out to be. Of course, you're going to want to just play "one more game", but that's for you to control. If you feel you might be getting just a bit too angry, or if you feel you've been playing for a bit too long, then give them a break, as you'll only be ruining the experience for yourself...

I hope you enjoyed reading this lengthy post. I know I hadn't done one of these for a while so why the hell not?!

Thanks for reading, and as I said yesterday, your on-going support and loyalty to me and my blog is greatly appreciated!

Connor :)