Saving the World: One Video Game at a Time

          I recently watched a TED talk by Beau Lotto that discussed the importance of "play" in our daily routine. According to this video, playing encourages us to overcome uncertainty while creating more positive perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. If this is true, then it seems like playing video games should be seen as positive. Unfortunately, I think many people have a hard time supporting games that include controversial issues, like violence and profanity. These games happen to be extremely popular, which creates issues in popular culture. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Jane McGonigal explain her plan to save the world through video gaming. It is truly a great idea, but will it really work? I think people enjoy controversial game content because it makes it less realistic and more exciting. Keeping people interested in video games while promoting world problems can influence unrealistic expectations of the solutions. I do agree that playing video games encourages behavioral traits that aid in solving world problems, I just think contradictory content can cause confusion. I have to admit, I love playing games like Call of Duty and Mortal Kombat and I think the determination and suspense is healthy and fun. I also believe that some people can get out of control or make unhealthy judgments if they take these games too seriously. What I want to know is where do we draw the line? In class today, we talked about the negative stigma of a gamer, which included things like slob, Cheetos and sweat pants. When has someone become that stereotype? If the article and videos I've viewed are correct, a serious gamer should be praised in our society. Strangely, it is the opposite and we need to find better ways to make people see the good that can come from video games.