14 DAY TRIAL // There are so many voices saying that video games are pure evil, that it's impossible to remember them all. Everyday a study appears and every day somebody tries to warn the parents about the harm video games do to their children. Now things are different. Because gameXplore have published the second volume of "Book of Games" where they state their opinion about games (among other things).
Erik Hoftun, one of the book's editors, claims that video games are better than books, from multiple points of view. For example, he says that reading is one of the most sedentary activities and, in a society where obesity has become a big problem, this counts. Video games, on the other hand, now have new hardware and tools that are able to fight obesity and, therefore, no longer represent a sedentary activity (of course, anybody reading this knows that most of the games do not involve serious physical activities, but we should listen to the author).
Another thing that makes video games better than books (or reading) is the fact that when you read, you are at the mercy of the author, having to accept the story and unable to change it. Things change when you start a video game, because there the player is in charge of everything and his action decides the outcome. However, because nobody seems to be able to be completely in favor of the video games, Hoftun added:
"?of course there are good and bad video games out there, just as there are good and bad books. My point is that video gaming is a valid and sometimes better alternative to reading. I believe it is high time for parents and teachers to educate themselves and understand what this new world their kids love so much actually is about."
So, prove Hoftun wrong, grab the "Book of Games" and see what's inside there. At least you'll have some solid reasons when your mom tells you to stop playing that stupid shooter.