The Changing Face of Video Games

I’m usually seen holding either a Nintendo DS or a Wii remote, so I know I might sound a bit self-contradictory or even hypocritical by saying this, but I’m really not liking the idea of video games becoming such a significant part of life – whether they’re evolving into something greater or not.
In the past, there was always that huge concern over the lack of exercise that came with playing video games. I’m sure we all remember being yelled at for playing video games, and even more distinctly, our pathetic response, “I’M EXERCISING – EXERCISING MY FINGERS!!” It’s insane how quickly we’ve reached an entirely new stage where we actually achieve physical activity while playing video games. With the Nintendo Wii, it’s possible for us to be physically involved in the game that we’re playing. I remember playing a similar game at the Science Center when I was 5, and at the time, I thought it was the most fascinating and advanced piece of technology. It’s hard to believe that these games have reached such an extent of popularity that we can enjoy this type of entertainment in the comfort of our own homes. Never again will we have to think of a response to that get-up-and-do-some-exercise argument – nope, we’ll be doing it while we play! With video games evolving into such healthy and beneficial toys, I just pity the parents who’ll undoubtedly have trouble thinking of legitimate reasons for getting their kids to stop playing.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t entirely oppose of the idea of exergames. In fact, I think it’s great that kids can have fun while doing physical exercise. It can – to some extent – replace the need for outdoor activity, and since it isn’t influenced by the weather, it can also be much more versatile. However, I just find it a bit unnerving that our society’s becoming more and more focused on these virtual lives that exist behind a monitor. Isn’t it reaching ridiculous extents? Really, VIRTUAL PETS? It sounds nice when you describe it as a convenient alternative for kids who can’t own real pets, but what will this lead to? Virtual friends? Virtual family!? As technology advances, we become more independent, which then lessens the need for our interaction with other people. As much as technology is making life convenient for us, it’s also cutting the ties between humans and other living things.
At the same time, as much as video games are improving in the sense that they now involve physical movement, they are still – if not more so – revolving around a lot of violence and negativity. It’s true that through exergames like the Wii, it’s now possible for us to be fully immersed in the game – but what good is this of us if we’re being immersed into such negative and unhealthy ideas? As video games are being more common and prominent among young children, it’s only reasonable that the children are going to be largely influenced by the themes that are expressed through the games. Some of this mature content consists of fighting, reckless driving, shooting and inappropriate language -- all of this is picked up and absorbed by the children to whom these themes are exposed. I have to confess that the games I enjoy playing most are of the violent and aggressive variety, but when looking at the situation from an objective position, it’s disappointing and honestly disturbing that children as young as four are taking lightly what others are dying for. As society progresses, it seems that we’re becoming desensitized to the horrors of war and violence. Moreover, it’s becoming something so distant and incomprehensible to us that the idea of violence no long has an effect – except for maybe further enticing our interest in such games. There are people out there who sacrifice their lives in order to defend their country, people who unwillingly kill for the sake of war – these are tragedies, and yet we still have the heart to boast and laugh over the number of people we’ve killed.
Therefore, as much as I support exergames and the evolution of video games in this particular direction, I still can’t say that video games are a beneficial addition to society. It’s great that we can get our daily exercise from playing video games, but I’m afraid the themes of war and violence will only worsen from here. Besides, why would you prefer staying at home playing on the Wii when you could go outside and take a walk? Being an extreme naturalist, I can’t see the day where I’ll ever prefer a video game – no matter how much physical activity it involves! – over a nice and quiet stroll. Maybe I’m just full of old-fashioned and rigid ideas, but personally, going outside just seems like the best and most natural solution to lack of exercise.