NationStates Jolt Archive

I have to do a persuasive speech on video games and how they are not a bad thing. I need info on the benefits and oter things. Just thought you guys could help.

They drastically improve hand/eye coordination, they help you with your problem solving skills, and they can diminish basic fears (such as fear of heights and fear of darkness).

Focus on recorded hand-eye-coordination improvement from the playing of video games

That's going to be what most of its about, I even found reaction times for gamers and non gamers. I didn't know they could diminish fears though

I'm sorry, but you got shafted. The problem you are facing is that there is overwhelming evidence that they are linked to violence, shortened attention spans, and tension in families, while the only upside I have ever heard of is the improved hand-eye coordination, which doesn't help against those arguements. My advice would be to do your best to show that most of the links between video games and violence are not as steady as has been implied, point out that T.V. has also shortened attention spans, as have computers, I.M., anything you can think of, and show that tension in families has been on the rise ever since the beginning of the Industrial Age, and while video games might have sped up the progression, it didn't cause it. Then throw in the hand-eye coordination as a "they can do some GOOD, too! Yay!" and hope your teacher doesn't see through the bull shite. Good luck.

I have to do a persuasive speech on video games and how they are not a bad thing. I need info on the benefits and oter things. Just thought you guys could help.

I have worked in the Video Game Industry for over 15 years...

I started at Nintendo of America in 1989 as a Game Play Counsellor, And have been fortunate enough to work with the likes of Nintendo, Asymetrix and Electronic Arts.

During the early 90's, while being a featured Game Counsellor on the Nintendo "World Tour", I had an opportunity to talk to several teachers who explained the different ways they used Video Games to Teach their students all kinds of things. I was amazed at how some used them strictly as prizes for good behavior while others used the Games to teach younger ones to read and write.

Later, many Strategy Games started being produced that were to a larger degree Historically accurate and gave the Historical background to the many Battles they would simulate.

If you have any specific questions you may feel I could help with, please feel free to send me a "telegram".

Hope this helps...

Regards,
Gaar

I have worked in the Video Game Industry for over 15 years...
:eek:
That is pretty damn cool.

I did a report on this once in 7th grade. Mention how many games (Final fantasy in particular) has the player doing good things for people for the sake of being nice. Also show how games like Animal Crossing help kids explore their musical and artistic abilities. Then talk about how in GTA3 you can run over a hooker to get your money back.

They drastically improve hand/eye coordination, they help you with your problem solving skills, and they can diminish basic fears (such as fear of heights and fear of darkness).


I feel the tingle from heights even in games sometimes.

I'm sorry, but you got shafted. The problem you are facing is that there is overwhelming evidence that they are linked to violence, shortened attention spans, and tension in families, while the only upside I have ever heard of is the improved hand-eye coordination, which doesn't help against those arguements. My advice would be to do your best to show that most of the links between video games and violence are not as steady as has been implied, point out that T.V. has also shortened attention spans, as have computers, I.M., anything you can think of, and show that tension in families has been on the rise ever since the beginning of the Industrial Age, and while video games might have sped up the progression, it didn't cause it. Then throw in the hand-eye coordination as a "they can do some GOOD, too! Yay!" and hope your teacher doesn't see through the bull shite. Good luck.

Actually, it is only violent Games that spawn the violence, and not all Games are violent.

http://sandradodd.com/games/page

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/content2/video.games.html

Regards,
Gaar

wow, speech on games. Bring in your console and TV just to show off how cool it is, and use the argument, "how can something so fun be bad?". It'll beat their asses u as far as coolness.

Or you'll be sent home. Either way, you get to play video games all day.

You could argue that video games are good for the economy. Seriously. Have you ever looked at how much money those things rake in? Although most videogame companies are based in Japan, they still have US branches--much as Toyotas are built in the US, but Fords are not. You could also point out how video games have spurred the development of technology. Believe it or not, the first digital camera was created specifically for video games. It was even used in a game starring the band Journey. Video games also are good for simulators--what do you think pilots train on? It is basically just a very large, convinving video game. Video games have also gotten use by some dentists, for their ability to relax patients while dental work occurs. There is at least one hospital that allows children to use Game Boys before surgery, as they have been proven to significantly reduce anxiety, and even make anesthesia more effective. Video games do not deserve the bum rap they get.

I feel the tingle from heights even in games sometimes.


That's funny, because I used to be freaked out by going up inside Skyscrapers, and I've played a lot of games since then, and I'm not even afraid to go to the top of the Texas Commerce Tower (old name, yes, but I don't know what it's called currently).

Well, it does help let out aggression. When I get home from school, I can either let out my aggression by playing a video game (usually what I do) or go on a random killing spree (if I need the exercise). Without video games, I'd always be killing people!

I didn't say all games cause violence. Read my post more carefully. Games in general have been linked to increased levels of agression due to the release of adrenalin and testosterone, coupled with no effective physical pressure valve for those feelings. I didn't say all games lead to violence. I know they don't. But many can, just because they make people tense.

I didn't say all games cause violence. Read my post more carefully. Games in general have been linked to increased levels of agression due to the release of adrenalin and testosterone, coupled with no effective physical pressure valve for those feelings. I didn't say all games lead to violence. I know they don't. But many can, just because they make people tense.

Sorry, my bad...

But I have to say that, like the poster above, many people actually relieve stress through Gaming, I am one of them.

Regards,
Gaar

No problem. I actually use them the same way. But I've got a brother with ADHD who sometimes struggles with games, and when he does, he explodes on anyone within twenty feet, sometimes up to and including physical violence. Now, he's only ten, and he's on some meds that are starting to help some, but still, it's bad. Think what could happen if he was untreated. Now project that onto a teenager, coping with puberty, new school (starting high school), and maybe a bad family situation. It can create a powder keg. All I'm saying is that it will be hard to defend.

No problem. I actually use them the same way. But I've got a brother with ADHD who sometimes struggles with games, and when he does, he explodes on anyone within twenty feet, sometimes up to and including physical violence. Now, he's only ten, and he's on some meds that are starting to help some, but still, it's bad. Think what could happen if he was untreated. Now project that onto a teenager, coping with puberty, new school (starting high school), and maybe a bad family situation. It can create a powder keg. All I'm saying is that it will be hard to defend.

I'm sorry to hear about your brother.

And I understand your point and it is well received.

Like just about everything, it has it's good and it's bad points. We are all well served by addressing both sides of the equation.

Regards,
Gaar

I didn't say all games cause violence. Read my post more carefully. Games in general have been linked to increased levels of agression due to the release of adrenalin and testosterone, coupled with no effective physical pressure valve for those feelings. I didn't say all games lead to violence. I know they don't. But many can, just because they make people tense.

Same thing happens when you play sports. Athletes can be rather aggressive in their competition but I don't see the Olympics becoming a bloodbath. Should we ban all contact sports, or sports in general? It isn't about the violence, it is about the competition, whether it be among a group of friends or simply a competiton against the game itself/enemy AI. Even with the increased levels of adrenaline and testosterone you ignore the release of tension from playing the game. Just as an athlete's tension is noticabley gone at the end of competition even though it was at its peak right before/during it. For the RARE cases where a violent individual is shown and the game can be used as a scapegoat it is a case of the already violent individual being drawn to the violent game than the game causing violence. What about action movies, the building up of tension there, does that make everyone violent? Of course not (not to mention that there is ALWAYS something to calm things and release tension in whatever medium you partake in).

About your brother, is it only video games that get him frustrated? Does he get frustrated at other things like boardgames? Because you don't want to get me started on Monopoly. But if it is the case that all he plays is videogames how can you be sure it is video games in particular and not anything that is win/lose and competition? Plus it is up to the judgement of the parents what their kids can and cannot play. The ESRB rating system in the video game industry is an appropriate self-rating system. Of course, it cannot be expected to do everything for you...you have to know what your loved ones are playing. If it is GTA San Andreas then okay as long as they understand it is fantasy and the real world consequences of such actions. When they start playing Manhunt I'd be worried. But that is just a personal opinion because Manhunt sucks. :D Pointless morbidity=dumb game. In fact the worst games that protest groups point out like Manhunt arn't popular because there it is pointless violence. Kids can be smarter than ya think (then again being an older brother I know how dumb they can be too).
:D
Besides, the only hostility I display when playing games is against my controller. But I make sure to beat the controller with a sack of oranges, so it won't leave any marks. :D

ah..so is that possible with tv and movies and such?

cuz if so i can tell my mom HA :P

Same thing happens when you play sports. Athletes can be rather aggressive in their competition but I don't see the Olympics becoming a bloodbath. Should we ban all contact sports, or sports in general? It isn't about the violence, it is about the competition, whether it be among a group of friends or simply a competiton against the game itself/enemy AI. Even with the increased levels of adrenaline and testosterone you ignore the release of tension from playing the game. Just as an athlete's tension is noticabley gone at the end of competition even though it was at its peak right before/during it. For the RARE cases where a violent individual is shown and the game can be used as a scapegoat it is a case of the already violent individual being drawn to the violent game than the game causing violence. What about action movies, the building up of tension there, does that make everyone violent? Of course not (not to mention that there is ALWAYS something to calm things and release tension in whatever medium you partake in).

This may be true, but there is growing evidence that it may be something more...

http://www.apa.org/science/psa/sb-anderson.html

Besides, the only hostility I display when playing games is against my controller. But I make sure to beat the controller with a sack of oranges, so it won't leave any marks. :D

A sock with a couple of Bars of Soap will work for that too, I believe... :D

Regards,
Gaar

I'm sorry, but you got shafted. The problem you are facing is that there is overwhelming evidence that they are linked to violence, shortened attention spans, and tension in families, while the only upside I have ever heard of is the improved hand-eye coordination, which doesn't help against those arguements. My advice would be to do your best to show that most of the links between video games and violence are not as steady as has been implied, point out that T.V. has also shortened attention spans, as have computers, I.M., anything you can think of, and show that tension in families has been on the rise ever since the beginning of the Industrial Age, and while video games might have sped up the progression, it didn't cause it. Then throw in the hand-eye coordination as a "they can do some GOOD, too! Yay!" and hope your teacher doesn't see through the bull shite. Good luck.
Amusingly, I've never seen such studies.

First, no he does not display the same behavior in other games. I think it's more he has no visible opponent in the videogame. He can see the other players in board games and talk when he gets frustrated, but he can't do that in the video games.

Second, it is interesting that you mention athletics. I think the difference is that in athletics, you have a physical release for all those chemicals you get pumped with and they don't just float around in you. With a video game. unless you beat the hell out of your controller or go to the gym right after playing and kill some wieghts, you don't get that release.

Third, I think I just invented a way to get videogamers to exercise! Make unbeatable games that taunt them with things like, "Maybe if you were in better real shape you could play games better!" and watch thosee obesity rates drop! (Joking)

Edit: Cows, what studies are you refering to? The attention span, the violence, or the family tension? Make sense, man!

way to release some anger. beat the crap of of virual things rather than physical things.

Third, I think I just invented a way to get videogamers to exercise! Make unbeatable games that taunt them with things like, "Maybe if you were in better real shape you could play games better!" and watch thosee obesity rates drop! (Joking)

Yeah, the "good Gamers" would likely give it Captain Kirks version of the Kobayashi Maru simulator's preprogrammed no-win situation, and "go in" and change the "parameters" of the Game to tell them how Great they are for playing... ;)

Screw the "getting in shape" shit!

We have Games that need to be played... :D

Regards,
Gaar

This may be true, but there is growing evidence that it may be something more...

http://www.apa.org/science/psa/sb-anderson.html



A sock with a couple of Bars of Soap will work for that too, I believe... :D

Regards,
Gaar

Ya, I've read that argument before. It's crap. There is a HUGE difference between firing a gun (even at a paper target) and weilding a controller. Basically anyone that can tell between fantasy and reality can recognize that their participation is different than real life. In fact, your participation makes violence less likely. What happens when you do something illegal like kill a hooker and take her cash in GTA, the cops find you and kill you. In other games you may be rewarded for killing but it is clearly established that they are a direct threat and the aggressor, thus a self-defense action. For example, HALO 2. You can kill fellow marines but you will be shot, you are allowed to kill the aliens that are trying to wipe out mankind though. Violence without justification makes no sense and makes for no story in any media form, and will therefore not attract anyone's (but the already messed up) attention anyway.

As for the need for phsyical release/excercise. Not a bad idea but like I mentioned earlier with action movies. Rarely excercise after a movie right? But what happened to your tension? O thats right it went right out the window once the movie ended, the hero saving the day. Same with games, any tension I had gets released when I beat a level or particularly whomp a certain baddie that just wouldn't die. I don't think lack of a physical opponent is a problem. Just make sure to make your virtual opponents death extra painful. I like to shoot the corpse several times for no reason other than releasing frustration, or seeing the cool blood/explosion effects. :D

I'll have to try the soap some time...

Maybe talk about how a flight simulator is nothing but a big expensive video game and how today so flight students can get realistic experience doing attempting things that never could've been done 30 years ago. Today, some police departments use driving simulators to do the same sort of thing. Without gamming it's doubtful that simulators could've come as far as they have.

Also, talk about how games are fun and that fun is good.

you have puzzle solvers, games that require you to think outside the box, game that require note taking skills as well as honing observation skills. you have games that help people get used to the computer and others that educate... do not focus only on the Platform games but use all the medias like the PC games.

SimCity. :D

Seriously. An argument can even be made that it's edumacational in disguise. An example of a great video game that doesn't involve OMG!!!KILLAGE!!!

Among other things, applying strategies I use for SimCity has helped me find food and assistance when I'm lost in completely strange cities by approaching my problem with "If I was a city planner, how would I zone this?" Seriously, asking this question has saved my butt. Twice. Scary. :D

And while not precisely a video game, you can always point out how educational NS is. :D

The U.S. Army used to train tank drivers with Battlezone , and now they pass out that free America's Army game package as promotional material.

Gaming helps the economy, for one. The release of Halo 2 was financially larger than any movie, ever. That's pretty significant for a technology half the age of movies, and in industry a third the age. Games are a booming economy, growing year upon year, with ever higher production values.

Furthermore, games such as Civilization can be very educational.

The link between games and violence is failed, because it is no more than a minor contributing factor, in the same way movies and music are. If those things can influence morally just, mentally balanced people to act violently, I'll eat my hat. Heck, I'll buy a hat just to eat it.

I think a far greater factor is parents raising kids right and instilling good morals, rather than blaming it on whatever scapegoat is convenient for the year.

Oh, another good thing about videogames: It is an incredibly versatile artform; can you think of equivalents in any other industry in the difference between say, Rez and Katamari Damacy? Half-Life and X-Com? Yeah, didn't think so. It offers a unique, unparalleled form of escapism and fantasy.

SimCity. :D

While at Nintendo I was the "Strategy Game" Expert, I was the first Game Counsellor to build a city over 500,000... and my top population, in that first version on the Nintendo, was something near 680,000, or something like that... It has been a while!

Tetris
Ghengis Kahn
Naboonugas Ambition(sp)
Warrior King of Ancient China
Oh the memories... :p

Seriously. An argument can even be made that it's edumacational in disguise. An example of a great video game that doesn't involve OMG!!!KILLAGE!!!

Among other things, applying strategies I use for SimCity has helped me find food and assistance when I'm lost in completely strange cities by approaching my problem with "If I was a city planner, how would I zone this?" Seriously, asking this question has saved my butt. Twice. Scary. :D

And while not precisely a video game, you can always point out how educational NS is. :D

I agree with a everything you say, I was just pointing out the supposed "studies" that have been done and how the argument goes...

I believe I started by pointing out how Teachers from across the U.S. were showing me how they were using them to help teach, didn't I?!?!

;)

Regards,
Gaar

Any one know if theres evidence that games dont cause violence, because i think I'll defenitley have to address that.