In Praise of Video Games

Last updated on: April 30, 2008 at 2:23 pm by Richard Clark

In Praise of Video Games 2008-04-30T14:23:14-06:00 Richard Clark

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

If there’s ever a medium with a bad reputation, video games are it. They’re accused of containing too much violence, leading to addiction, and keeping kids from going outside. While these are real dangers of video games, it’s hard to make the case that any of those claims do not exist in various other mediums. The existence of those risks alone cannot undermine the medium itself.

So, as a part of my ongoing “Benefits and Dangers” series, I present to you three unique benefits of the video game medium. Maybe now you’ll feel justified buying that Wii (good luck finding one).

Forces the player to actively consider the actions on screen – not simple passive entertainment
It may seem like the average video game player is merely sitting zombie-like in front of their television moving their thumbs, but there is much more happening in the mind of the average video game player than meets the eye. Video games compel the player to take an active role in what is happening on-screen, unlike television and film which often seeks to lull the viewer into a general acceptance of whatever may be paraded in front of them. Video games acknowledge that what is on screen may not be what should be on screen. The player is challenged to do something about it. This challenge results in the average gamer solving math, physics, social and even ethical problem s throughout their gaming experience. The best games force the player to ask the question, “Is this a good idea?” or, “What should I do in this situation?” and the best players choose to dwell on these questions.

The opportunity for social interaction
The unexpected success of the Nintendo Wii has demonstrated that video games actually excel at bringing people together. Video games, just like board games and party games, have the potential to bring our guard down. Fun causes people to cast down their inhibitions and embrace one another, and video games are now at a point where they often encourage this sort of reaction.

As a result, video games are just one in an arsenal of ways to get to know fellow believers and nonbelievers in a way that is nonthreatening and welcoming.

Reinforces the concept of delayed gratification
Anyone who’s played a video game has experienced being frustrated while playing. Even the greatest games seem to test our patience in all sorts of seemingly evil ways. Unlike nearly all other mediums, video game designers see it as critical that the player is challenged. In short, we are forced to work for the pay-off. This is the sort of thing that Christians can embrace.

Of course, video games have a long way to go. Because the medium itself is so young (it was literally born around the same time I was born), it is only now finding itself able to claim artistic relevance. However, as more and more seriously artistic games come to fruition, we will find that not only are the existing benefits amplified, but new benefits will arise.

The medium of video games is blowing up right now. Sales are through the roof and developers are making some of the most fascinating and artful games yet. One of the more exciting developments is the rise of the independant video game developer, enabled most notably by online distribution services like XBox Live and WiiWare (coming this May). Christians cannot simply ignore or condemn this phenomenon. Instead, let’s come to terms with its dangers (which I’ll address in our next installment of the series) and embrace its many benefits.

Games

Previous Post

April 29, 2008

Perfect...

Next Post

April 30, 2008 Attention "This American Life" Fans

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Asides Elsewhere Featured Film Games General Culture Headline Literature Music Of the Moment Podcast Politics RetroPost Sports Technology Television Uncategorized Viral

Select a Month February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz