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Poll

How do you feel games, and by extension, gamers are treated in the public eye?

Persecuted
- 1 (2.6%)
Frowned Upon
- 21 (53.8%)
Indifferent/Neutral
- 16 (41%)
Regarded Fondly
- 0 (0%)
Celebrated
- 1 (2.6%)

Total Members Voted: 39


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Author Topic: Public Perception of Videogames  (Read 15412 times)

K-64

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Public Perception of Videogames
« on: September 06, 2012, 04:10:52 PM »

Well, after this post in a different thread

Something about that paper twisting a suicide against videogames or something.

It got me thinking about the way the media, and quite often, the government look at video games, gamers and the gaming industry. It seems in quite a lot of places, that games are treated as the devil in a paper-thin disguise. While in other places (like some officials in this country) recognise its value as a source of revenue, and support universities offering courses on it and providing tax breaks, that kind of thing. So there are two sides that are very real in this debate, with people from all walks of life on both of them. However, the question is, what side of the spectrum do you see more often in your day-to-day life? Discussions/news is also very much welcome. I would love to see what everyone else has to say about this.
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GUNINANRUNIN

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #1 on: September 06, 2012, 04:41:06 PM »

Schools tend to put them to good use. A lot of kids learn faster when they take their lessons on a computer.

But yes, the public does tend to frown upon video games, though I think they're warming up to them. Once this decade's generation makes it into the world I think it won't be such a huge deal.
« Last Edit: September 17, 2012, 10:59:42 AM by GUNINANRUNIN »
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theSONY

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #2 on: September 06, 2012, 06:29:06 PM »

Well we all heard about the Video games turn people into psychopaths, walking around us with their guns in their pants, waiting to snap
personally i don't belive taht any video game can turn a mentally healthy man/women/child in to psycho (but im no expert) & i dunno if any of you remember any madia talk about GTA series, BUT most of the FPP/FPS players has better reflex, they got any knowledge about guns (where is the safe button,reload ect.)
but you can't say that video games are all bad,like playing FPP/FPS can make you better shooter that if someone like "farming " games can make him a better farmer (but playing sport games can't make anyone better sportsman ;>)
even IF games can make someone a Psycho, then you better protect your children cuz young mind is easy to manipulate & there is one thing that P!5**d off, that parents don't know what "PEGI" is or they just don't care
its funny that rather parents choose taht their child watched/play brutal film/video game than any sexual/porn content & thats madness
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hadesian

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #3 on: September 06, 2012, 11:57:44 PM »

I have learnt more, become more of an individual and had more enjoyment than anything I personally think the community could give me.
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BillyRueben

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #4 on: September 07, 2012, 06:11:17 AM »

It seems like half the people in my town are gamers. To us, it's just a hobby. Nothing more, nothing less.
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IIE16 Yoshi

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #5 on: September 07, 2012, 06:45:28 AM »

The older generation, the ones who read the Daily Mail and other such newspapers do seem to view games as hell on earth. Anyone who's used to technology don't mind games. At least, that's what I've seen.
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GUNINANRUNIN

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #6 on: September 07, 2012, 10:59:13 AM »

The older generation, the ones who read the Daily Mail and other such newspapers do seem to view games as hell on earth. Anyone who's used to technology don't mind games. At least, that's what I've seen.
Its not that people don't get used to technology. My great-grandfather is always buying new tv's, power tools, computers and he gets along with them rather well. He doesn't play video games though. IMO, its the fact that video games are an entirely new brand of technology.
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Elate

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2012, 06:37:22 PM »

Most people I know view them as something for kids, like a toy or such. Kind of annoys me really, so I quickly remind them that games are fundamentally similar yet more interactive and engaging than all the books they read (I also happen to know a lot of avid readers.), the films they watch, and the television they view, and if anything about ten times more mentally stimulating than the latter two, and arguably books too (ahem, twilight ahem.)

This probably stems from their initial advertisement towards children I suppose, but those children have grown up, and so have games.
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Hyph_K31

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #8 on: September 15, 2012, 10:35:17 AM »

and arguably books too

That entirely depends on the author.
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Elate

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #9 on: September 15, 2012, 10:38:05 AM »

I would say books are thought provoking, while games are more mentally engaging. Books make you think about things, games make you actively use that gray matter. Some games, anyway. It goes both ways.
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GUNINANRUNIN

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #10 on: September 17, 2012, 11:02:46 AM »

I would say books are thought provoking, while games are more mentally engaging. Books make you think about things, games make you actively use that gray matter. Some games, anyway. It goes both ways.
On this, with the surge of indie developers out and about, we're seeing a good amount of 'art games' floating around, including flash and retail games. There's some really neat stuff out there, including games that aren't even competitive, and only meant to be viewed and experienced.
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blamatron

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #11 on: September 18, 2012, 01:22:16 PM »

Being both an avid reader and a gamer, most of my favorite fantasy book characters have been to skyrim/oblivion by now...
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Hyph_K31

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #12 on: September 18, 2012, 01:31:30 PM »

Journey is a very nice "art" game. It's more of a story and an experience than a game.

OT

I've seen both sides of the fence, at college I'm surrounded by people who view games and gamers in a very positive light. But I've also been around people who treat games like the plague.

Personally, I think games are a "good thing", but there is no denying the negative impact games can have on a person or a society.
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Elate

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #13 on: September 19, 2012, 02:05:46 PM »

Journey is a very nice "art" game. It's more of a story and an experience than a game.

OT

I've seen both sides of the fence, at college I'm surrounded by people who view games and gamers in a very positive light. But I've also been around people who treat games like the plague.

Personally, I think games are a "good thing", but there is no denying the negative impact games can have on a person or a society.

Honestly I don't see these negative impacts, no more than any other form of entertainment. In fact there was a chart somewhere that with the slow release of more violent games, violent crimes have decreased. I just don't see the argument there, people would be like they are without games, they were just find a different way to express it.
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Rowanas

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Re: Public Perception of Videogames
« Reply #14 on: September 20, 2012, 02:03:25 AM »

People are pretty violent. We need an outlet, because it's in our nature. Giving us a virtual release is a sensible way to decrease our violent outbursts. In the absence of hunting our own food, killing buffalo with a rock or warring with another local tribe, we're going crazy. It's part of the reason why psychological disorders are so common in the West, when Kenyan tribesmen are doing just fine. I'm sure our western problems are awful and all that, but they're not exactly starving to death or getting murdered by a warlord. The trick is to let it out, and fantasy of all kinds helps.

P.S. Ever noticed that, when you wreck things, if it's too hard or soft, it's unsatisfying? That's because the perfect grabbing, tearing, punching sensation is flesh
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