blog 4

Not Just for Killing…

By Christian Zannetti

Sources: http://www.educationalsimulations.com/ , http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/ , http://www.wired.com/gaming/gamingreviews/news/2003/10/60688 

Some stubborn more hard headed parents have insisted that video games make their kids aggressive and angry little demons.  They think that playing games will make their kids "all-star" shooters and instantly have guns and want to go kill their classmates because a game told them to. Okay, some parents may not take it to that extreme but you get my point, they think video games are bad. But what these "parents" neglect to mention is that there are a lot of educational based games, most of them implored by the government to doctors and military personal.  There are even some games based around understanding and peace, you know that whole coming together as a people crap. Whatever the game may be, point is, it's not all just for killing.

In 2004 a game was released solely with the intent for military simulation. It was meant to give a soldier the real feel of how to handle a real combat scenario. This was just the first game on the start of a whole bunch more to come and more and more realistic to boot. Other games such as Americas Army and Guard Force had started to come out and they trained the soldiers well, but many feared that the virtual could never substitute the reality. The upside was it was a stress free training style that could be practiced every day. Now some parents may argue "Well I don't want my baby learning to be a soldier!" fine I get it, you want to raise a little punk ass.  Well if that's the case, I guess the world needs doctors too; have him/her go play The Blood Typing Game.  This game plus many more can help your son or daughter become the doctor you always dreamt of them becoming so you could exploit their income when you're old and lazy. 

There are many types if game your kids can play, it's not always about killing things. The Sims is one of the man simulation games where you can live a fake life as who and sometimes whatever you want. There is also a game called Real Lives where the player gets to pick a culture and a live under a different form of government, in a different geographical landscape. Video games have surpassed the "hobbies" or "play-thing" era and are now in the "life-tools" age. These instruments we "play" with aren't toys anymore, yes they are fun and they can be the most entertaining time wasters. But put into the right hands with the right game, you got yourself a learning device.