To be an adult gamer these days is apparently a problem. When the Navy Yard shooter’s friends were questioned, one had this to say:
“[i]f he had anything bad about him, it was that he was a 35-year-old man playing video games.”
As an adult gamer, this statement insults me. Just because we are adults does not mean we can not play video games. Video games are not just for kids. Some games out there are only meant for adults. Yet video gaming for adults, outside of those who play video games, tends to be frowned up.
It seems to me that people forget that adults like to find things to enjoy as well. Just because we are adults doesn’t mean we can enjoy things we have always enjoyed. Some adults prefer video gaming as opposed to going out clubbing and getting so drunk you can’t remember how you got home, much less anything else you did the prior night. So why is gaming frowned on but such activity as drinking yourself into a stupor is not (unless you drive that way).
I like to play MMORPGs, as people who have frequently read my stuff can attest to. In spite of my favored genre, playing these video games (which some might claim are violent since I have to kill things to finish quests) does not make me want to go grab my sword or dagger (yes, I do own both) and go to mass murdering people. It does not make me want to splay out my hands and summon down a storm of hellfire on a group of unsuspecting strangers.
For all the violent video games, we also have very violent movies and television shows. One such tv show had its series finale tonight. I don’t see all those tv viewers going out and becoming serial killers. A lot of times, the news itself can be just as bad as violent video games.
In a world surrounded by violence, why are video games only being suspected? Sometimes I hate leaving my house because it is the only place I feel somewhat safe, and these days, it is hard to feel safe at home.
What do you think should be done about the controversy surrounding video games?
