Re: People prefer videogames to the outdoors

I am a "gamer" type, have been playing video games since childhood. Started on Atari and now am on the PS3. The level of hand-eye coordination that some new games require is truly amazing. This is not going to keep you from becoming fat, but there is an argument for the hand-eye coordination is requires you to develop. Conversely, I love hiking and mountain biking, so I believe I do a good job of balancing these hobbies.

Video games are currently at their peak, showing no signs of slowing. These video game consoles allow for incredible flexibility. Once the video game industry matures I believe game makers will start developing games that are meant to teach, rather than solely entertain. There are already games such as these, but when video game consoles become as common as say the TV, these devices will be seen as more than just an entertainment device.

People hear the word "video game" and they immediately think of a sedentary overweight child, stuffing himself with Cheetos. While this is certainly correct in many cases, it is not the video games fault, it's the parents. What I'm trying to say is, video games can be a powerful tool in a child's development. Just as the computer has become a tool for research, work, and entertainment, the video game console will become a multi-use device.

Don't be suprised if in 10 years you start seeing PlayStations in schools as teaching tools.