I suppose it's not really a trend since it's been around for a long time. Sadly, I'm talking about people's hate of video games.
"They're for nerds/kids/slobs!"
"Video games are a waste of time!"
"They're corrupting the youth of America!"
Funnily enough, no one seems to say board games or sports are a waste of time, and in 2016 I think we should be educated enough to know that there is a diverse range of people who enjoy and play video games: young, old, men, women, lazy, or active. As someone who has played video games and appreciates them, here are my reasons why people should not hate video games.
1. They can be a form of social media/interaction
What do you think when you think of social interactions in video games? Do you think of a foul-mouthed boy with a headset, shooting down newbs while slurping a Mountain Dew and eating chips? That stereotype exists, but that's one aspect of the social features video games can offer. Sure, this can be a gateway for bullying and harassment and that's bad, but aren't all social mediums gateways for negative interaction? *cough* Youtube/Facebook/Instagram comments. *cough*
Video games can be a way to bring people together, just like any form of entertainment. For years people have strengthened (or ended) friendships because they got together to play "Super Smash Bros.," "Goldeneye 007," "Wii Sports," or "Just Dance." The list goes on and on. The experience can be incredibly memorable whether it ends in beating Rainbow Road in "Mario Kart" or ending up with a Wii remote in the TV because someone didn't wear the wrist strap (family experience here, folks). But what about when your friends aren't over and you're playing the game by yourself? A video game can still provide a unique experience.
The game "Journey" is an online adventure game where you play a simple, robed figure traversing a vast desert world. There's no combat or obstacles; it's just you exploring the artsy world, trying to get to a mountain where your journey will end. Along the way you can come across other players on their own journey. Since there's no names or speech bubbles, the only communication you and this stranger have are little chirps your characters can make. You can decide to just cross paths with this person or travel together on a silent but special journey. You don't know whether that player is male, female, young, old, halfway across the world, or right next door. That kind of unbiased social interaction doesn't sound like a waste of time to me.
2. They can be mentally healthy
Sometimes a lot is going on in your life and you just need a mental break. Everyone has their ways of relieving stress whether it's exercise, listening to music, reading a book, eating ice cream, or venting. Sometimes our stress relief habits can do more harm than good if they become more common and some people resort to more dangerous forms of escaping life's problems such as drugs, alcohol, or violence.
Let's look at how video game can be healthy outlets for stress. Instead of throwing something across the room, how about killing dozens of cartoon monsters like in the horde battle in "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword"? Or instead of baking an entire cake for you to devour all by yourself and later regret, build your own Mario level in "Super Mario Maker" or your dream house in "Minecraft" (which you can then destroy if you're still angry/stressed after you've built it).
Some games are designed to help us with our stress. The classic tile-aligning game "Tetris" has had research completed to test that playing the game can help reduce stress and even PTSD.
Another game, "Flower," was designed to arouse positivity in the player. The game is simple. You are the wind blowing flower petals around a detailed and aesthetically pleasing world. "Flower" has been said to be a dream-like, calming and spiritual experience, proving a video game can be mentally impactful.
Like a lot of stress relievers, video games can be a distraction from the problem. With the combination of music, visuals, and your control, the game can temporarily take you out of the world of your problems and into a world where you can solve other people's problems. Trust me, play "Animal Crossing" or a "Zelda" game. No one is capable of doing chores or running errands without your help. Add in some strategy or puzzle solving and you have some critical thinking to do as well. The right video game might just make you a smarter, happier person.
3. Video games are art
Ever seen a painting and wish you could jump inside and explore it? There are video games out there with world's just like that. Ever watch a movie and wish you could be in it? I mean, in the movie world, not in it as an actor. There are plenty of licensed video games that will let you do that too (though good licensed games are rare, sorry). The point is that video games can and should be considered forms of art not only because they can be visually and emotionally stimulating. They take a step further than images or film because they immerse us, giving us control of a character or objective.
Another way video games are art is because they are a form of storytelling. Think about all the different forms of storytelling: oral, books, images, movies, and theater. With the added immersion aspect, video games are powerful ways to tell stories. Many nowadays have updated from saving the princess or beating up bad guys.
Many games like "The Last of Us" or "Bioshock: Infinite" feature compelling characters, beautiful music, and thought-provoking themes and messages. The best part is that you are a part of the entire spectacle. You get to go on an adventure that would be only be possible in a story. You can even play characters you already know from books, shows, or movies (Batman "Arkham" games anyone?). It's a very different way to experience storytelling. It's art.
