Billy Perry
Research Paper
English Comp II., Section G
9 June 2010

Video Game Violence & Violence

The controversy on the link between video game violence and actual violence is a topic among many households and organizations. Can violent video games really create an aggressive person? Will playing these particular games make someone commit violent acts? With video games evolving everyday, the controversy only grows larger. Video games are becoming more realistic and more violent as technology advances. The primary concern is children under 18, and whether or not they should be allowed to play these violent and imitable games at all. Critics believe children under the adult age have not matured enough to view and engage in simulated violent activities. There is no definitive link between video game violence causing children to become more hostile. In a sense, it is mere speculation; coming from critics who have never personally engaged in a video game themselves. One side strongly believes violent video games will cause violent behaviors. While the other side sees no feasible evidence between the two, and that violence is the result of many factors. The opponent tends to use a subjective point of view, bringing up real life violent situations to appeal to the reader’s emotions. The proponent has a more relaxed approach, seeing the connection as absurd, and they point out flaws in the opponents claims. The idea of mature video games advocating violence comes from the lack of evidence to support a violent act. Researchers examine a case of violence, find no strong theories and reveal that a child had been involved in playing a game rated for ages 18+ and pin that immediately as a cause. The majority of protestors are parents of children who may not have necessarily played these games. But as a parent, they feel the need to reach out and protect their children without probable reasoning behind the legitimacy of games causing hostility. This concept is the