Video games 'good for children'

*Akasha* · August 12, 2004, 07:47 AM

Computer games can promote problem-solving and team-building in children, according to games industry experts.

The message forms part of the Edinburgh International Games Festival, which is holding events for schoolchildren to create their own games.

Children at the Royal Museum are designing characters, as well as writing dialogue and storylines.

The games industry has denied claims that it is responsible for creating couch potatoes and promoting violence.

Last month, the Dixons group decided not to sell a controversial Edinburgh-developed video game, Manhunt, because the family of a murdered boy linked it to his death.

The manufacturers have denied there is any connection between on-screen violence and real life.

Other events at the festival include game screenings, game-play sessions and a two-day conference.

Games creators and publishers from the UK, Japan and Canada are expected to attend.

Festival director Lisa Fox said: "What we've tried to do is appeal to everyone. So we have a trade conference and two consumer events, which give the public the chance both to get hands-on with the games and to meet the people who make them.

"It's a place to explore the art and the business of interactive entertainment."

'World-leading talent'

Dr Judy Robertson, of Edinburgh University, said some children had told her during computer games workshops that playing violent games did not result in violence in real life.

She said: "Children say that playing violent games is a way for them to get rid of their frustrations, they get rid of their anger and take things out on the characters in the computer games rather than people in the playground."

Chris Van Der Kuyl, of VIS Entertainment, said it wanted to make games which were fun and entertaining.

He said video gaming is "the biggest entertainment industry in the 21st century".

"People have to realise it is the future and we have world-leading talent here in Scotland."

Information Source : BBC News!

Magnus · August 13, 2004, 01:29 PM

I hate all the people saying that playing violent video games is gonna make you kill people. People crazy enough to kill don't need a game to do it, in other words the person is mentally unstable in the first place.

I play violent video games all the time, doesn't mean I want to go out and start shooting people. And certain games are simply way to violent for certain audiences, if you've got a game like "The Suffering" or "Manhunt" do not let a very impressionable little kid play them and complain if they affect him/her negatively. There are ESRB (I think that's right) rating on all games, use them!

Anyways enough ranting, just my oppinions.

R2D2 · August 13, 2004, 02:04 PM

Another bowling for colombine effect thread ;)

Magnus · August 13, 2004, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2

Another bowling for colombine effect thread ;)

good movie, so is Ferenheit (sp) 911, unless you are a huge George Bush fan, it really makes fun of him hehe.

R2D2 · August 13, 2004, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnus

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2

Another bowling for colombine effect thread ;)

good movie, so is Ferenheit (sp) 911, unless you are a huge George Bush fan, it really makes fun of him hehe.

hehe yea ive seen that movie.... and its a bit hilarious....

... I dont necesary agree on all the aspects of it but it makes bush look like a cave man or a monkey.... :lol:

*Akasha* · August 13, 2004, 05:35 PM

Oooh I saw that Columbine movie recently... that's with that big guy that got Kmart to stop selling ammu...ammuni...bullets! Right?

R2D2 · August 14, 2004, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akasha

Oooh I saw that Columbine movie recently... that's with that big guy that got Kmart to stop selling ammu...ammuni...bullets! Right?

Yup thats the one.... :D

actually I find it insane that a grocery store would sell stuf like that.... We would need special permission and papers filled to get to buy those kinda bullets.... but that IS a part of the american culture and historical fact(dont know the word) so I guess it makes perfectly sence....

August 13, 2004, 01:29 PM	#2 (permalink)
Magnus Member	Video games 'good for children' I hate all the people saying that playing violent video games is gonna make you kill people. People crazy enough to kill don't need a game to do it, in other words the person is mentally unstable in the first place. I play violent video games all the time, doesn't mean I want to go out and start shooting people. And certain games are simply way to violent for certain audiences, if you've got a game like "The Suffering" or "Manhunt" do not let a very impressionable little kid play them and complain if they affect him/her negatively. There are ESRB (I think that's right) rating on all games, use them! Anyways enough ranting, just my oppinions.

August 13, 2004, 02:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
R2D2 Member	Video games 'good for children' Another bowling for colombine effect thread ;)

August 12, 2004, 07:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
Akasha	Video games 'good for children' Computer games can promote problem-solving and team-building in children, according to games industry experts. The message forms part of the Edinburgh International Games Festival, which is holding events for schoolchildren to create their own games. Children at the Royal Museum are designing characters, as well as writing dialogue and storylines. The games industry has denied claims that it is responsible for creating couch potatoes and promoting violence. Last month, the Dixons group decided not to sell a controversial Edinburgh-developed video game, Manhunt, because the family of a murdered boy linked it to his death. The manufacturers have denied there is any connection between on-screen violence and real life. Other events at the festival include game screenings, game-play sessions and a two-day conference. Games creators and publishers from the UK, Japan and Canada are expected to attend. Festival director Lisa Fox said: "What we've tried to do is appeal to everyone. So we have a trade conference and two consumer events, which give the public the chance both to get hands-on with the games and to meet the people who make them. "It's a place to explore the art and the business of interactive entertainment." 'World-leading talent' Dr Judy Robertson, of Edinburgh University, said some children had told her during computer games workshops that playing violent games did not result in violence in real life. She said: "Children say that playing violent games is a way for them to get rid of their frustrations, they get rid of their anger and take things out on the characters in the computer games rather than people in the playground." Chris Van Der Kuyl, of VIS Entertainment, said it wanted to make games which were fun and entertaining. He said video gaming is "the biggest entertainment industry in the 21st century". "People have to realise it is the future and we have world-leading talent here in Scotland." Information Source : BBC News!

August 13, 2004, 05:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
Akasha	Video games 'good for children' Oooh I saw that Columbine movie recently... that's with that big guy that got Kmart to stop selling ammu...ammuni...bullets! Right?