Impact of Videogames on Society

Videogames in Society

Introduction

In the last two decades, the evolution of videogames has gradually risen with a notable impact on today’s society. Both positive and negative effects have sprung up as a result off games. As the evolution of videogames continues too grow the impact they have on society remains and spreads. In short, I’ll be giving a brief summation on the ramifications.

The Pros:

Hand-Eyed Coordination

In recent years, videogames have seen multiple benefits in regards of hand-eye coordination. Reports have even been verified that even professionals who play games improve in ability and reaction after playing over a period of time. Simulators have advanced far enough that a virtual environment can be used to train pilots, drivers and even soldiers. In fact, this very aspect gives the benefit of increasing hand-eye coordination needed to manipulate high-tech machines without endangering the lives of the learner or instructor. Software can also be used to track the progress allowing players to see a continuous improvement in learning, cognition and sociability overtime-- Proving itself a useful factor in the mental development of individuals.

Brain Training

It has been proven fact that by playing games the human brain’s capacity, activity and memory can be effectively improved upon. In response, there has been software developed in a range of subject areas so that hand-held consoles can be used as Brain Training-based games (Examples include; Brain Training, IQ Test, Etc). In the medical field, patients who have sustained brain injuries due to accidents are encouraged to play "Pairs"--  An electronic game based on “Snap” which is said to help memory and cognition. Other software developed has been specifically designed to help users learn new languages.

Thinking and Strategy Skills

Wargames are specifically designed to make the players develop thinking and strategy-based skills. Planning out courses of action and knowing just when to execute said action is key to proceed successfully. Most of these types of games also have time management which players can relate strategy to real-world decision-making. Strategy-based games can help the player to develop adaptability and unorthodox thinking.

Future Impact

The last twenty years has seen a remarkable progression in the game and gaming industry. In the foreseeable future videogames will continue to evolve into areas of education, medicine and media. It is considered a possibility for professionals to be able to practice their craft and trade in a virtual environment. These could include surgeons, pilots and driving instructors, etc. There will be a continuous progression in designing software to assist all members of society, including those with visual impairment or physical disabilities. This can only create thousands of jobs in this industry. 

Impact on “Mainstream” Application Development

Over the last decade there has been a massive shift in the structure of utilising computer games. Originally it was very much a case of having technical ability to use computers and videogames, much depended on the ability to follow written instructions in order to progress on gaming levels or the use of operating systems. Graphics has greatly impacted on the general usage of gaming. The hardware such as controllers and consoles has greatly enhanced the desirability to own such a machine. The future will see a continued re-invention of both consoles and controllers, expanding the market for graphic designers, programmers and technicians to name a few.

The Cons:

Videogame Addiction

The gaming industry has had a both a positive and negative impact on today’s society but one negative aspect can be attributed to Videogame Addiction. This means the player themselves have become so engrossed in playing games that all mandatory activities in everyday life are neglected. When this has become the case, the addicted prefers to forego sustaining themselves in exchange for longer game-play hours. This can affect both education and performance at the workplace. In some cases there have been reports of people refusing to go to school or even work because of their addiction in playing games.

Social Isolation

Following spending too much time playing games, players can also put themselves at risk by isolating themselves from their family and friends. This is especially evident when a player spends hours on end without communicating with another human being. As a result, they became socially withdrawn. This can also potentially cause health problems such as developing repetitive strain injury. Families and Friends may also be concerned about the health and well-being on the individual. PC Games are also swiftly becoming one of the main leading causes of social isolation and videogame addiction.

Cost

As part of a multi-million industry with the costs to the average gamer rising all the time an individual could potentially go bankrupt, with the on-going craze to purchase all the latest Videogames or Platforms. With such a wide choice out there, there has been an increased pressure on the cost of keeping up with the latest and updated gaming technological. This also includes paying for electricity and the internet, as well as additional hardware costs required for gaming like controllers. Online games also require a monthly subscription which can be costly.

Separation from Reality

This is when a player dedicates more of their time playing games to the extent that they can no longer differentiate reality from fantasy. This may be a fun experience for some in the likes of an Adventure game but it can have negative effects and consequences. There have been some cases where normally passive individuals have turned violent and hostile, as a result of playing violent games. Other cases include gamers mimicking what they have witnessed in game, leading to extreme injury and even death.

Education

As discussed before, games can have a very beneficial effect on Education. However, games can also have a negative effect on the development of growth in both children and young adults in society. Neglect in one’s studies can be very common when a Gamer immerses them in playing games. The amount playing games can affect the amount being done studying and, in some cases, the very attendance in school or college itself. 

Psychological Factors

Introduction

Videogames have a notable effect on how we think and feel while we are playing them. Games include certain features such as Sounds (Soundtracks and Sound-effects), High-Score Listings and Level up Systems. These features are designed to make the player become more involved in the Videogame emotionally, and feel both the positive and negative aspects while playing based on the design and how engrossed they become. 

Use of Sounds

The use of sounds can do a lot to help immerse the player in the gameplay and storyline of a videogame. Sounds give players feedback for their performance, and re-enforces positive and negative thoughts and feelings regarding the gameplay. Sounds like these also help the Player become more immersed, as sounds and visuals blend together by making videogames seem a realistic as possible.

High-Score Listings

High Scores were used in earlier games to make Players feel superior and the best at a particular game, thus earning bragging rights. They can even make them feel equal or better than their peers. The social and competitive nature in modern videogames make Players think about improving their gaming strategy to compete with peers and better themselves accordingly, in their opinion and seek their approval. The score listings also enable Players to compare themselves with other Player and are visually represented in Videogames.

Competitive Games

Playing competitively gives the player the opportunity to play against other players from all over the world. The competitive nature of videogames has both positive and negative effects. Positive effects on an individual may increase their social skills, via friendly competition. Negatively, though, some individuals may start demonstrating highly-aggressive behaviour when taking part in competitive games. The frustration of not setting particular challenges, or being outdone by others players might be too much and lead them to losing their temper.

Peer Pressure

This is a relevant topic in the world of gaming. A player may feel pressured into buying the latest and greatest platform consoles and videogame titles of a particular genre. The reasons behind the desire to have the latest gaming technology may be driven by peer preassure and thus, puts pressure on the player to buy the latest videogame-related equipment.

Fun

It is no secret that casual players like to play videogames for the entertainment value. The enjoyment of achievement by playing videogames helps the player escape reality and become immersed in a fantasy world by acting out the life of the protagonist of the game. Regardless of how much bad press videogames can get in terms of the negative effects that gaming has, it is clear that one of the main psychological factors that drives players is to be entertained.

Educational Value

Research has revealed that games can help players in developing and furthering Educational skills, including English, Maths, Language and even Communication skills. They have been used to teach and train children who are handicapped to communicate successfully. Videogames can also be used to help children with attention disorders improve their attention and thinking skills. When used in the correct format, videogames can definitely be used as an highly-useful educational tool.

Expectations

As a videogame is being developed so does the expectations of the players and the fanbase. This can be used by developers to earn additional money. If an individual is eager to play a game they will be willing to pay a premium price. However, if the videogame does not live up to the expectations then sales will drop and go down, with the game’s rating lowering. In regards of sequels, players may expect it to be better and an improvement over the original which might lead to disappointment if it does not meet those particular expectations.

Levelling 

Levelling up in a videogame can keep a player hooked in the gameplay when they have short and long term challenges ahead, as they can unlock items or abilities as they progress throughout the game. In MMO and RPG-related games levelling can be used to get the player to believe that they have accomplished something and are rewarded, accordingly. Mechanics like these within a videogame can engross a player by taking them onto an endless journey where they'll want to improve continuously. As a result, this means that they’ll more and more of that game.