Column: The Gamer

by Jason Cruikshank
October 28, 2009

There is a thick film of prejudice adhering to the video game sensation. The majority of adults in the United States don’t seem to understand it is something more than a toy, something greater, something closer to art. When, for example, my parents see a video game commercial they tune out, it’s just a toy to them. When I see a video game commercial, I think of art design, new game mechanics, the effort they put into the music, story, the effect of new members to the development team, and a plethora of other such aspects of the new game. I’m sure that if more people took a look at a good video game, they’d see it was a lot more than just a toy.

The problem with the general opinion of video games should be evident. Someone such as myself who takes video gaming as a hobby is looked down upon; they are not on the same level as say, a movie reviewer or music critic. They are just silly children playing with toys, whereas a movie critic is some sort of scholar who studies the different artistic attributes of the newest artsy film. Personally, I find us gamers in a very frustrating position. Not only are we ridiculed and belittled on a daily basis by people with no greater hobbies than us, but we can’t defend ourselves without looking like criminals trying to justify their unlawful activities.

Okay, that last sentence is due some explanation. What I’m implying is that video gaming, as a hobby, is thought of as a bigger waste of time then say, watching television. This assumption is utterly mind boggling to me. Most video games require the player to use their brain to achieve their goal, whereas the general television program encourages the opposite! I’ve played countless games which require me to think critically, navigate through multi-leveled environments, adapt, micromanage, organize and countless other exercises involving the brain. Can anyone say the same thing when tuning in to American Idol? I’m doubtful.

I guess what I’m trying to get at is that video games have a lot more value then most people believe. I feel that they need to be utilized for their true potential rather then shunned. They could be used for so many things, from educational to making new friends. If only people realized this and used them. To conclude, I’d have you look at our own school, Chief Sealth. Everyday students in the computer lab sneak onto some flash game archive to play one of many shallow games created by some kid with spare time on his hands. What do the teachers do? They scold them and block the website. Why not make games that have to do with school? I’m not talking about those stupid “games” where you answer problems one after the other but something with content, and educational value. Just an idea.