Violent video games.. Good for you?

Posted Tuesday, April 11th 2006

I just finished reading Clive Thompson’s latest column in Wired - The Glory of the Shooter and I have to say that I whole-heartedly agree with him. Not only are (games and) first person shooters victimized and blamed for various incidents, but games seem to have departed greatly from the original motivation behind them - to offer thrills and relaxation.

But Thompson makes another very valid point - violence has always been interesting. Many people choose to ignore, or better yet, reject the fact that we as humans are inherently agressive. When society imposes so many rules to limit our agression and agressive behaviour, it is only normal and expected for us to find other ways to “vent” our anger. Some people choose sports, others choose video games, while others become movie buffs and really enjoy horror movies. It’s a personal, subjective choice.

But the point is, simple-minded, brainless shooters help us get in touch with our primitive, instinctive side. Think about it.