Protestantism

» Brian Tubbs - Some games GREAT for the mind

In response to XBOX 360 posted by pink101:

I'm too tired and lazy to look up the research right now, but I have read in several places that games such as CHESS and SUDOKU and CROSSWORD PUZZLES are highly recommended for everyone.

Some of these articles have suggested that playing chess has helped stimulate brain development and learning in kids. And that games, such as chess and sudoku, help delay the onset of dementia and such in the latter years.

So, while I see some of your point, Pink, with violent video gaming, I think that some games are extremely beneficial to people.

» Brian Tubbs - Lego Star Wars

My kids LOVE Lego Star Wars. They play it right now on GameCube, but they're excited to crack open the XBOX 360. We're waiting on the second controller, before setting it up, though. I'm not stupid. A 9-year old and a 5-year old - and 1 controller! NOT GOOD. So, weeza gonna wait for that second controller to come in the mail.

» EvilChihuahua - Games, movies and books

In response to XBOX 360 posted by pink101:

Video games are, in my opinion, much more than just a fun way to pass the time, but the new venue for great story telling. 200 years ago people would read books for great stories, 50 years ago it was the cinema and now it's the video games. Gone are the day when a video game was simply one trying get the blue square through the green block forest to fight the red wobbly shape (a dragon?) to save the pink circle princess; now video games feature stories that rival Hollywood. The Final Fantasy series is known for it's dymanic sci-fi/fantasy plots, the Metal Gear Solid series is known for it's strong, Tom Clancy style political thriller/action storylines, Medal of Honor puts you right in the middle of the famous battles of World War 2, Halo provides the most complex sci-fi storyline since Star Wars, in Kingdom Hearts (a cross-over of the Final Fantasy games and animated Disney movies) you travel around various locations from classic Disney movies (Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Aladdin and Fantasia) and many have pointed out that horror video games are scarier than horror movies (my mate and I have seen many a "scary movie" and laughed all the way through, yet we almost filled our dacks playing Doom 3).

So what makes video games more appealing than books and films? I'd have to say it the fact that these games put you, the player, right in the middle of action. You can either play as the games hero (such as Snake in the Metal Gear series or the Master Chief in the Halo trilogy) or, in the case of the Eldar Scrolls IV: Oblivion, as a character you create yourself (you can ever create yourself for the game). Unlike books where you read about the action, or movies where you see it, with video games you experience the action first hand.

-- posted by EvilChihuahua

» EvilChihuahua - XBOX 360

In response to XBOX 360 posted by pink101:

I have a suspicion that games are having a negative influence on our society in regards to the way we get along with each other.

You make an interesting arguement here. Can you give me a few examples?

It would be good to have a comprehensive discussion with a highly experieenced someone who would be objective on the subject.

You're talking about me, right?:)

-- posted by EvilChihuahua

» EvilChihuahua - Lego Star Wars

In response to Lego Star Wars posted by BrianTubbs:

I downloaded the demo for Lego Star Wars 2 on the 360. It's an extremely easy game, but who cares? I love it. It's just a fun game. BTW, have you heard about the next Lego/Lucas Arts production: Lego Indiana Jones? Sound fun. I can't wait for Indian Jones 4.:)

-- posted by EvilChihuahua

» pink101 - Yes, I Am

In response to XBOX 360 posted by EvilChihuahua:
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You're talking about me, right?
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If you are a highly experienced someone who would be objective on the subject, yes, I am and about any other such person.
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When I made my statement of suspicion, you responded with, Can you give me a few examples?.
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I'm not exactly sure if I can give any examples; but, I can try. I don't want to be seen as an old fogey. But, it seems to me that games--in particular--computerized games present the players with an ether world outside the one in which they physically live. So, I see games as a phenomenological force of influence in post modern society.
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My experience with a particular person is that gamers cloister themselves away from the day to day relationships non-gamers around them experience. And, further, that they tend to relate with non-gamers using strategies they have abstracted from the games they play.
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Am I totally wrong?
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-- posted by pink101

» EvilChihuahua - Yes, I Am

In response to Yes, I Am posted by pink101:

I don't want to be seen as an old fogey.

It won't bother me.:)

But, it seems to me that games--in particular--computerized games present the players with an ether world outside the one in which they physically live. So, I see games as a phenomenological force of influence in post modern society.

I can see what you mean. Games should be a passtime only, but some people become so wrapped up in a game that it consumes their life and it gets to a point where the game world and reality becomes, to them, all the same.

Games are a great way to get away from the harshness of reality, but one must not lose their sense of reality altogether.

Am I totally wrong?

No.:)

-- posted by EvilChihuahua

» pink101 - Paradigms for Society

In response to Yes, I Am posted by EvilChihuahua:
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Games should be a pastime only, but some people become so wrapped up in a game that it consumes their life and it gets to a point where the game world and reality becomes, to them, all the same.
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It might be nice if the only persons injured were the game players. But, the problem goes far beyond that.
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Here's the way I see it. Games have come to be so pervasive in our society that we have preachers proclaiming their values within the family. The facts are that games provide players with strategies for life and that the players employ the strategies in their personal relationships. Thus, all society is effected by games. The persons who design and produce the games are able to be major influences on society.
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What are some of the paradigms for society presented to us through games other than Tit for Tat for example?
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-- posted by pink101

» Migisi - Paradigms for Society

In response to Paradigms for Society posted by pink101:
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An Army recruiter visited my son's senior class. He said he preferred young new recruits with extensive vid game skills - specifically prowess in fighting/winning battle-type games.
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"Left Behind: Eternal Forces" would qualify as such a game - the Tribulation Force fights the forces of the Antichrist (the Global Community Peacekeepers - modeled on the United Nations Peacekeepers).
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Interesting, no?

-- posted by Migisi

» pink101 - Paradigms for Society

In response to Paradigms for Society posted by Migisi:

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Interesting, yes.
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-- posted by pink101