argumentative essay on video games

Essays About Video Games: Top 12 Examples and Prompts

Video games have revolutionized the way we have fun today. If you are writing essays about video games, check out our guide to inspire your writing.  

Few can contest the fact that video games have taken over the world. From the basic, almost “primitive” games of the 1970s like Pong to the mind-bending virtual reality games of the 2020s, they have been a source of entertainment for all. Moreover, they have proven quite profitable; countries like Japan and the United States have made tens of billions of dollars solely from the video game market.

Despite their popularity, much has been debated over the potentially harmful side effects that video games may have, particularly on children. One side argues that playing certain video games can lead to people exhibiting violence in the future, while others believe that video games teach players essential life skills. Regardless, they will continue to be a part of our lives for the foreseeable future. 

For engaging essays about video games, read the essay examples featured below for inspiration.

1. What electronic games can teach us by Kendall Powell

2. designers are imagining video games without guns by keith stuart, 3. playing video games all summer won’t make you feel worse by nicole wetsman, 4.  violent video games bad by andrea newman.

• 5. ​​The health effects of too much gaming by Peter Grinspoon

Writing Prompts For Essays About Video Games

1. video games: good or bad, 2. the benefits of video games, 3. what is your favorite video game, 4. do video games cause people to become violent, 5. video games in your life, 6. video games vs. traditional games, 7. is the video game rating system enough.

“In other studies, researchers found that gamers who trained on Tetris were better at mentally rotating two-dimensional shapes than those who played a control game. Students who played two hours of All You Can E.T., an educational game designed to enhance the executive function of switching between tasks, improved their focus-shifting skills compared with students who played a word search game.”

Powell explains a few possibilities of applying video games to education. As it turns out, certain video games can improve players’ skills, depending on the mechanics. Researchers are inspired by this and hope to take advantage of the competitive, motivational nature of gaming to encourage children to learn. New games are designed to help kids improve their focus, coordination, and resilience, and game designers hope they will succeed. 

“Imagine a game where you’re a war reporter seeking to capture the most iconic, representative images in a battle environment: You’d still get the sense of peril that audiences expect from action adventures, but your relationship with the environment would be more profound. It would be Call of Duty from the perspective of a creative participant rather than a violent interloper.”

The graphic nature of some video games is said to make kids violent, so it is only natural that some creators try to change this. Stuart writes that it is possible to maintain the fun that shooter-type games induce without using guns. He gives examples of games where you do not kill your enemy, simply stunning or capturing them instead. He also suggests photography as an alternative to killing in a “shooting” game. Finally, he suggests basing video games around helping others, making friends, and doing more peaceful, creative tasks.

“Any role video games play in skewing well-being that did pop up in the study was too small to have a real-world impact on how people feel, the authors said. People would have to play games for 10 more hours per day than their baseline to notice changes in their well-being, the study found.”

Wetsman counters the widespread belief that video games “destroy your brain.” Research done with a sample of 39,000 players over six weeks has shown that whether one plays video games for long or short periods, their mental health is not impacted much. There are some exceptions; however, there are not enough to conclude that video games are, in fact, harmful.

“Some people believe that the connection between violent games, and real violence is also fairly intuitive. In playing the games kids are likely to become desensitized to gory images;which could make them less disturbing, and perhaps easier to deal with in real life. While video games aren’t about violence their capacity to teach can be a good thing.”

In her essay, Newman writes about the supposed promotion of violence in some video games. However, she believes this violence does not cause people to be more aggressive later. Instead, she believes these games expose children to certain atrocities so they will not be traumatized if they see them in real life. In addition, these games supposedly promote connections and friendships. Finally, Newman believes that these “harmful” can make you a better person.

5. ​​ The health effects of too much gaming by Peter Grinspoon

“Gamers need to be educated on how to protect their thumbs, wrists, and elbows, their waistlines, their emotional state, their sleep, and their eyes. Simple education around taking breaks, stretching, eating healthy snacks, and resting and icing your thumb, wrist, or elbow when it starts hurting can address injuries early, before they become significant. For the eyes, gamers can try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, try to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.”

Grinspoon discusses both the benefits and the health risks of gaming. Video games allow people to interact with each other remotely and bond over specific missions or tasks, and some research shows that they have cognitive benefits. However, some gamers may develop vision problems and hand and wrist injuries. Gaming and “staring in front of a screen the whole day” is also associated with obesity. Overall, Grinspoon believes that gaming is best done in moderation.

Looking for more? Check out these essays about hobbies .

Many parents believe that their children’s “bad behavior” is because of video games. Based on your experience and others, decide: are video games good or bad for you? Make sure to read viewpoints from both sides and write an essay based on your position. Would you encourage others to play video games? Discuss these pros and cons for an interesting argumentative essay.

Like anything else, video games have both positive and negative aspects. Explain the good that video games can do for you: the skills they can equip you with, the lessons they can teach, and anything else. Also, include whether you believe their benefits outweigh the disadvantages they may pose. 

For your essay, write about your favorite video game and why you chose it. What is its meaning to you, and how has it affected your life? Describe the gameplay mechanics, characters, storyline, and general impact on the gaming community or society. You can write about any game you want, even if you have not played it; just ensure the content is sufficient.

Many claim that playing violent video games can make you violent in the future. Research this phenomenon and conclude whether it is true or not. Is the evidence sufficient? There are many resources on this topic; support your argument by citing credible sources, such as news articles, statistics, and scientific research.

Video games have been a part of almost all our lives. Recall a treasured experience with video games and explain why it is significant. How old were you? Why do you remember it fondly? How did this experience make you feel? Answer these questions in your own words for an exciting essay.

There are stark differences between video and traditional games, such as board games and card games. For an engaging essay, compare and contrast them and write about which is more entertaining, in your opinion. Be creative; this should be based on your own opinions and ideas.

The video game content rating system is used to classify video games based on their appropriateness for specific ages. However, parents complain that they are not strict enough and allow the display of violent content to children. Explore the criteria behind the rating system, decide whether it needs to be changed or not, and give examples to support your argument.

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing tips !

Tip: If writing an essay sounds like a lot of work, simplify it. Write a simple 5 paragraph essay instead.

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

View all posts

• Essay Samples
• College Essay
• Writing Tools
• Writing guide

Creative samples from the experts

↑ Return to Essay Samples

Persuasive Essay: Video Games

Teenagers today often spend a great deal of time playing video games. These games are fun and engaging and young people often feel like playing games is a great thing to do in their spare time. However, you shouldn’t spend too much time gaming and there are a number of reasons for this: it’s unhealthy, you should spend more time studying, and you need to socialize more.

The primary reason to cut down on gaming time has to be that youths that spend a long time on computers and games consoles are often not getting enough exercise. With high obesity rates, it’s very important for young people to spend as much time being active as possible, especially since studies show that people who are overweight during childhood and adolescence are far more likely to become overweight adults than those of a healthy weight when they’re young. There is just as much, if not more, fun to be had in getting out and about and being active. This doesn’t have to mean going for long runs if that’s not your thing; team sports are both fun and great exercise. Dance or fitness classes are also a good option for those not into sports.

Secondly, getting a good education is that best thing that you can do for your future. If every teenager cut down on their gaming time by 30 minutes per day and used this time to study, the whole of that generation would achieve better results and be more likely to have the career that they want. With education, you get out what you put in, so it’s really up to you to put in the additional effort. If you want to go to a good college, extra study in your own time will be completely vital, but gaming can reduce your concentration span and make this more difficult.

The third main reason that playing video games too often is that it’s no good for your social skills. Some teenagers may argue that because they can now play their games online with friends, they are socializing in their own way. However, you can’t beat face-to-face contact, and if you want to succeed in interviews and build good relationships in later life, you need to develop some proper communication skills. This shouldn’t be a chore, or difficult, because hanging out with friends is far more fun than sitting indoors playing on games all day anyway!

In conclusion, there can be no doubt that spending too much time gaming isn’t good for you. You don’t have to stop all together, but it’s all about moderation. Cut down and allocate your additional free time to doing things that are good for you, and you definitely won’t regret it in later life.

Follow Us on Social Media

Get more free essays

Send via email

Most useful resources for students:.

• Free Essays Download
• Writing Tools List
• Proofreading Services
• Universities Rating

Contributors Bio

Find more useful services for students

Free plagiarism check, professional editing, online tutoring, free grammar check.

How to Write an Essay about Video Games: Presenting Effective Arguments in Papers

Gaming on video consoles is becoming more and more common. In actuality, the typical gamer plays for roughly six hours each week. There are many who claim that video games are harmful to one’s health since they promote inactive lifestyles like prolonged sitting and isolation from the outside world. On the other hand, some people say that playing video games is a good way to unwind and relax, and they are not wrong. So, what is the real story of video games? Are they good or bad? The controversy of playing video games presents an opportunity for students to either be proponents or antagonists of the issue through essays. Accordingly, this article discusses how a learner can write an essay about video games.

It would be best to do thorough research before writing an essay about video games

Research is often the most challenging aspect of preparing an essay. While writing your video games essay, you’ll have to employ the information you get from research to define video games, describe different genres, and give relevant examples to support your claims. Students must recognize that the amount of research they conduct totally affects how good their essays turn out. Your video game essay will benefit greatly from your careful attention to detail and thorough investigation. Just keep in mind that you are trying to convince your audience to see things from your point of view. This is why having a great deal of background information is essential. Researching your favorite video game would give you an added advantage. Additionally, to support your claims, you must include relevant examples and research-based data.

You should develop an introduction that captures your reader’s interest

The whole point of the opening paragraph is to capture the interest of the audience. To achieve this, it should pose an intriguing topic or provide a contradiction or paradox. You ought to add a good hook to grab the reader’s attention so they can’t help but keep reading your paper. Given that there are numerous motivations for why individuals engage in video games, the introduction is where you have to specify the reasons. Moreover, it would be best to incorporate your thesis statement in the introduction. A thesis statement is basically the writer’s primary concept, summed up in one or a few sentences. A well-formulated thesis statement expresses the work’s central argument in a way that makes sense in light of the inquiry or issue at hand. It would be the correct response to the question, “What is the primary theme of this essay?” from the instructor. Nonetheless, you should perceive your thesis as an opinion that may be debated at any time, rather than an established fact or objective reality. In other words, now is the time to speak your mind regarding the impact of video games on today’s youth.

You must present your arguments in the body paragraphs

The arguments are what learners utilize to support their thesis. A single contention and one or two examples must each have their own paragraph. It would be best to provide your reasoning for your video game position and be sure to explain why you firmly disagree with the opposing viewpoint. Examples include your own experiences and, where appropriate, references to data from studies, forecasts, and statistics. Students should provide answers to contentious topics like “Do video games promote addiction and violence among players?” The arguments you employ ought to back your main point rather than contradict it.

You may offer vivid illustrations as you write an argumentative essay about video games

Learners should offer evocative examples of the genres and video games under consideration. Instead of stressing about whether the material you discover online or the game’s publishers are legit, dedicate yourself to writing a fun and vibrant paper for the person who reads it. This approach piques the audience’s attention and facilitates their comprehension of the argumentative essay about video games. Additionally, these vivid examples assist you in conveying your ideas in a manner that words can’t. Even if you aren’t convinced that your assignment requires an example, using one might perk up your reader and provide your arguments additional weight.

You should write a conclusion for your essay

The last section is meant to sum up the college essay. You may accomplish this by restating the thesis statement and briefly mentioning the arguments you presented in your body paragraphs. This approach will help the audience understand how you systematically addressed the issue and made conclusions. For instance, suppose you had to respond to the question, “Do games negatively affect us?” A topic like that can’t be satisfactorily answered by psychology, particularly when it involves something as novel as video games. Consequently, it is actually way easier to just pick a side and support your position with some research. In the end, your readers don’t expect the argument to be elaborated upon but rather summarized. No new material should be introduced in the last paragraph.

Identifying the sources you employed would be best

When you are writing an essay about video games, it is essential to cite your sources. That means you got to make a list of every resource you used in your paper. References to diverse books, scientific studies, statistical data, and remarks made by well-known experts are acceptable. It would help to make sure your research is from the past five years.

Proofreading is vital for developing a top-notch paper

Students must make sure that their essays about video games have been edited and proofread prior to submission. So basically, you are going to check your assignment for spelling, punctuation, and grammatical mistakes. Completing an essay that is free of errors increases a learner’s likelihood of academic success. Here are some tips to help you proofread your work:

• Read the text aloud. This will enable you to detect any mistakes.
• Take your time proofreading and revising your work. Spend sufficient time on it to ensure you catch any possible oversights.
• Concentrate on correcting a single mistake at a time. Avoid the hassle of searching for spelling and grammar mistakes at the same time. Prior to checking for punctuation and spelling problems, you may concentrate on grammatical issues.
• You may also create a list of the most typical errors that students make while writing essays, then review your work for each one.

Using these suggestions will guarantee that your essay is devoid of all types of mistakes that might undermine how persuasive your argument is. Alternatively, you can delegate your “ write my essay ” request to online essay writing services like CustomWritings which may allow you to complete a high-quality paper about video games.

Extra tips for presenting better arguments in essays about video games

Today’s youth often engage in video gaming, and this trend will only spread in the coming years. Composing a paper about video games can help you learn more about the subject while also providing readers with information they can utilize in their lives. Just consider the potential for them to be inspired by and gain new knowledge from your essay about video games. Following this article’s recommendations should take you a step closer to achieving your academic goals.

Nick Sinclair

Nick Sinclair, a gaming aficionado since the Commodore 64 era, studied Creative Computer Games Design in university before founding his own gaming company. Discovering a passion for content creation, Nick now helps gamers squeeze every drop of fun out of their favorite gaming hardware

Recent Posts

A detailed overview of all the player options in Destiny 2

D2 is one of the brightest and most interesting projects in the MMO RPG genre, combining shooter mechanics and the ability to fully upgrade one of the three heroes, studying the storyline and helping...

Elevate Your Fortnite Adventure: GPU Secrets for Ultimate Gaming

Are you ready to take your Fortnite experience up a notch? Imagine improving beyond what you thought was possible. Here's the truth: whether you are a pro with many wins or a newbie. Your GPU...

• Entertainment

Argumentative Essay on Benefits of Video Games

Statistics from Stackup.org state that 64% of households own a device to play video games, and 55% of gamers state that games help connect them and their friends together. Video gaming has made a huge impact on our society, yet critics still insist after over 40 years that they have a very harmful effect on children and even adults. However, there are lots of benefits stored within these games such as mental health and social development.

Firstly, video games generally do not affect most people in a negative way. In fact, there is plenty of research that shows there are benefits for mental health. According to the Association for Psychological Science as recently as September 2020, “games are now more important than ever for socialization, feeling autonomy and control during a certain time, and just de-stressing-Ferguson.” For instance, gamers have shown that gaming has kept them feeling less isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. These games can also act as a way to distract people from pain, psychological trauma, depression, ADHD, stress, and lots more. A March 2014 article called “Gaming well: links between videogames and flourishing mental health'', they state, “Moderate video gameplay has been found to contribute to emotional stability and reducing emotional disturbances in children.” This demonstrates that video gaming can benefit a child’s emotional state by letting them “let out their steam” which can act as their flourishing mental health.

People show bias toward banning violence in video games, but they barely scratch the surface of their benefits to society. It has helped our community grow as a whole since these games show cultural awareness by helping connect different cultures, races, regions, and more together. These games can improve people’s skills in communication since some games allow the players to work together by talking to each other. In a 2019 World Economic Forum article, Susanna Pollack and Stanley Pierre-Louis both claim, “Video games now provide the platform for this authentic, collaborative play that broadens perspectives and builds new communities by connecting people who may otherwise have never met.” Gaming can actually be an opportunity for players to build a whole new relationship with others. In addition to that, they can help make games become less antisocial and more civilized. The Institute of Gaming mentions, “Over 70% of gamers play with a friend, by playing against each other or working cooperatively in a team. Games such as World of Warcraft open up virtual worlds and communities that extend far beyond the computer screen.” This all goes to show that these games bring people from literally anywhere from across the world closer and improve our society as a whole.

Although violent video games can cause good, it can also cause bad. A project done by Frontiersin.org concludes their study by saying, “There seems to be a link between self-reported violent video game exposure and differences in psychopathic trait expression especially in interpersonal-affective deficits.” They calculated and tested what effects happen after a certain time period of playing these games. One Dana.org 2019 article comments, “Violent games do increase aggressive behavior but these effects are quite small.” Which means there have been signs in the past demonstrating that the games end up causing more hostile behavior, but they aren’t really common/consistent. It is truly stated that some violence in video games have graphical content that could badly influence a younger audience, maybe even adults. Some effects can be future smoking, criminal activity, aggressiveness, and more. Apa.org answers saying, “There is not consistent evidence for the claim that younger children are more negatively affected than adolescents or young adults or that males are more affected than females.” This proves that with all this bad stuff happening, there has not been sufficient proof to confidently say that young ones or young adults are as negatively affected by violent games as you think they are.

Related Samples

• Bullying in Cobra Kai Essay Sample
• Excessive Use Of Social Media
• Social Media’s Effect on Teens and Adolescents Essay Sample
• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Movie Analysis
• Heaven Is For Real Movie Review
• Reflective Essay Example: Video Games Are Fascinating
• The Challenge of Fake News Essay Sample
• Analysis of Gary Hustwit’s Objectified
• The Social Contract and Social Media Now
• Little Miss Sunshine Film Analysis

Didn't find the perfect sample?

You can order a custom paper by our expert writers

Banning Violent Video Games Argumentative Essay

Introduction: banning violent video games, violent video games should not be banned, violent video games should be banned, conclusion: why video games should not be banned.

The essay is an argumentative one; violent games should not be banned. Recently there has been an endless and fierce debate on whether or not to banned violent video games. For instance, the countries that constitute the European Union are planning to ban some of the European games. However, it is the view of the majority of video games, just like any other games, are there to educate and entertain.

Although there are strong reasons brought forth by those who want violent video games to be banned, here are reasons why we should not; increases self-esteem, reduction of pain, encourages teamwork, sharpening players’ wit, among others (Sterngold, 2006).

With regards to those in support of banning the game, they hold the view that the games continuously poison the minds of the viewers, especially young individuals.

It is worth noting that there are indeed strong points that need to be given a second thought before we rush in banning violent video games. It has been argued and even proved that when kids play such games, especially when the multiplayer type of game is available, then the children get to learn at a very early age to work as a teammate, which requires teamwork. Arguably, this is advantageous as it helps in keeping children together in times of need (Lebrilla, 2010).

For this matter, when they grow up, such individuals will be in a better position to be good team players. This concept has been currently deemed very vital in ensuring the success of an organization. Throughout the game, it is indeed tough to beat the opponent.

However, through concentration, acquisition of skills, and knowledge on how to win, which has been learned from each other, children are capable of the emerging winner. With this, they grow, knowing that to win, there is a need to have a team behind them.

As suggested by Bissell, 2008 violent video games have been thought to help, especially those with very high tempers, to release their anger by not hurting anybody. When very angry and one feels like inflicting pain on another human being or even killing others, it has been thought appropriate to transfer such anger to violent video games. When one engages in a shoot-out with an enemy in a video game, he/she might feel that the mission is accomplished.

Aside from assisting young individuals in sharpening their wits and problem-solving skills, violent video game plays a significant role in helping young individuals, even a few older members of society, to learn how to persevere. On the same line of thought, these games have made it possible for people to have well-coordinated hand and eye movements (Craig et al. 2007).

This has helped in making sure that reflex action/response is normal. The advantage of this is that it will play a significant role in keeping progressive illnesses at bay.

Another major point that is in support of violent video games is that it helps in sustaining the country’s economy. It is apparent that the industry of violent video games has played a significant role in the economic growth of the country. The export of the same product to other nations generates foreign income for the country.

Additionally, a good number of Americans derive their daily bread from the same industry(Konijn et al., 2007). For this reason, banning of violent video games will mean that the unemployment rate will go up, and the money generated from the industry will be lost. The industry generates close to 21 billion dollars annually (Jones & Ponton, 2003).

Additionally, doctors have proved that despite violent games being useful; in releasing anger, it is also helpful in helping a patient reduce pain. The current efforts hospitals show this making to install such games. More importantly, the games help entertain the plays as well as the viewers.

Just like when people feel entertained by watching a football match, violent game provide the same to the affected party. Considering the fact that slightly over 70.0% of American teens play these games, if it is banned, then they will indulge in even more risky activities in their quest to be entertained, for instance, drug abuse (Goldstein, 1998).

It would not be rational if the argument that supports the banning of violent games were not brought to light. It has been brought into the violent limelight game that pollutes the minds of American children.

When young individual engages too much in these games, they are addicted. The result is that they will grow up and may put into practice what they saw. A recent incident where a student walked into an institution of learning and started shooting at others, killing them on the spot, has been linked to violent video games (Anderson & Dill, 2000).

Similarly, just like any other thing that can bring addiction, violent video games, when making a young individual addicted, can be detrimental to their quest to learn. This is because most of the time, whenever they are free will, they spend time playing such games (Ferguson, 2008).

Although it has been argued that the game fosters socialization skills, it is evident that when one plays in non-multiplayer support, they grow up being persons with poor skills to socialize.

From the review of the issue of violent games, even though the game is intense, banning it will bring more harm than good. For those who advocate for the banning, it would be rational to critically analyze the benefits of the game to individuals and even society at large. For instance, it enhances teamwork, helps reduce pain, aids in releasing anger, and improves wit and hand-eye coordination, among others.

However, the disadvantages include polluting or poisoning young individuals, and addiction eats their time hence cannot engage actively in other vital activities. This thus warrants careful consideration from relevant stakeholders such as parents and the government.

Anderson, C. & Dill, K. (2000). “Video Games and Aggressive Thoughts, Feelings and Behavior in the Laboratory and In Life.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , 78(4):722.

Ferguson, C. (2008). “Blazing Angels or Resident Evil? Can Violent Video Games Be a Force for Good?”, Review of General Psychology, 14(1): 68-81.

Konijn, E. et al. (2007). “I Wish I Were a Warrior: The Role of Wishful Identification in the Effects of Violent Video Games on Aggression in Adolescent Boys.” Developmental Psychology, 43(1): 1-12.

Craig, A. et al. (2007). Violent Video Game Effects on Children and Adolescents: Theory, Research, and Public Policy . Oxford University: Oxford University Press.

Bissell, T. (2008). Extra Lives: Why Video Games Matter . New York: Macmillan Publishers.

Sterngold, A. (2006). “Violent video games.” Web.

Jones, G. & Ponton, L. (2003). Killing Monsters: Why Children Need Fantasy, Super Heroes, and Make-Believe Violence . New York: Basic Books. P. 172.

Goldstein, J. (1998). Why We Watch; The Attraction of Violent Entertainment . Oxford University Oxford University Press. P. 188.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 28). Banning Violent Video Games Argumentative Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/violent-video-games-should-not-be-banned/

"Banning Violent Video Games Argumentative Essay." IvyPanda , 28 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/violent-video-games-should-not-be-banned/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Banning Violent Video Games Argumentative Essay'. 28 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Banning Violent Video Games Argumentative Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/violent-video-games-should-not-be-banned/.

1. IvyPanda . "Banning Violent Video Games Argumentative Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/violent-video-games-should-not-be-banned/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Banning Violent Video Games Argumentative Essay." October 28, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/violent-video-games-should-not-be-banned/.

• Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Video Games and Technologies
• Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games
• Should Animals be Used in Research: Argumentative Essay
• Argumentative Essay Writing
• London Olympic Games: Banning Reasons
• Choosing The Best Sharpener for Kitchen
• Political Philosophy: Liberalism and Libertarianism
• Has the Internet Positively or Negatively Impacted Human Society? Argumentative Essay
• Pros and Cons of Abortion to the Society Argumentative Essay
• Division of Labor and Capital Accumulation as Sources of the Wealth of Nations
• Importance of Adopting Children
• Stereotypes of American Citizens
• Social Care in Ireland
• Evaluating the debate between proponents of qualitative and quantitative inquiries
• The Effects of Social Networking Sites on an Individual's Life

• TOP CATEGORIES
• AS and A Level
• University Degree
• International Baccalaureate
• Uncategorised
• 5 Star Essays
• Study Tools
• Study Guides
• Meet the Team
• Linguistics, Classics and related subjects
• English Language and Linguistics
• Argumentative or Persuasive Essays

Argumentative Essay: Video games, beneficial or detrimental?

Reuben Rolle

English Composition I

Mrs. Linda Davis-Fisher

Argumentative Essay

Video Games Beneficial or Hazardous

        Video games have been a growing phenomenon since the mid 1980’s. With the vast improvements in technology the video gaming industry had evolved from simple two dimensional games to realist, fast paced, life like experiences. Along with it’s growth there has been an ongoing discussion of whether video games are beneficial or hazardous to children and adolescents. Some are of the view that video games are indeed hazardous because they are meaningless times wasters that encourage anti-social behavior, have a negative impact of the health of children, and because they are filled with violent content. However, I do not share these views. In my opinion video games are a wonder pastime which has the potential to be very beneficial on many levels.

        Many believe that video games are a useless form of entertainment that is in no way beneficial, therefore it is considered a waste of time. However, video games are a real brain workout that invokes abstract and high level thinking. These skills are usually not taught in school, but they are prevalent in most video games. Some of these mental skills include: problem solving and logic, hand-eye coordination, quick thinking, making fast analysis and decisions, strategy and anticipation, perseverance and inductive reasoning and hypothesis testing. According to researchers at the University of Rochester, Led by Daphne Baveler, a cognitive scientist, games simulating stressful events such as those found in battle or action games are a good training tool for real world situations. Also to successfully complete a game, players must deal with immediate problems while keeping their long-term goal in sight. This term is called “telescoping.” (Steven Johnson). James Paul Gee, professor of education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison says:

Playing a video game is similar to working through a science problem. Like students in a laboratory, gamers must come up with a hypothesis. For example, players in some games constantly try out combinations of weapons and powers to use to defeat an enemy. If one does not work, they change hypothesis and try the next one. Video games are goal-driven experiences, which are fundamental to learning. (106)

This is a preview of the whole essay

        Some people feel that children spend too much time playing games and as a result they become socially isolated, which affects the time spent doing home work, other physical activities and interacting with family and friends. While playing video games can be time consuming, it does in fact promote social activity and teamwork. Video games allow parents and their kids to play together and can be used as a bonding activity. Many games appeal to both kids and adults and could be something they both share in common. Children also build friendships through playing games that both they and their friends enjoy. Also games that involve multiple players encourage children to work cooperatively to achieve a common goal. They learn to listen to the ideas of others, formulate plans and distribute various tasks based on the skills of each other. Online games are played internationally, which can introduce kids to players of different nationalities, and exposed them to many cultures and fosters friendships.

        Many people think that video games negatively impact the health of children, because it can encourage laziness, obesity and postural disorders. Despite the fact that video games can contribute to health issues, there are many video games that counteract these types of behaviours. Many games require its players to be very active. Games such as Dance Dance Revolution and Wii Boxing actually give its players a good workout. Playing theses games for duration of ten or more minutes causes children and those playing to exert large amounts of energy equal to or perhaps exceeding a regular ten minute workout routine. Also games such as Wii Fitness are actually exercise routines in fun interactive form.

        The final and perhaps biggest issue with video games for most people is the violent content which many games are known for. Many are of the view that such exposure would result in increased aggressive thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Although it may be true that most video games contain violent content, in my opinion these games serve as a positive avenue to express aggression and frustration. Violent games act as a positive way for children to vent their frustration and anger in the games with computerized characters, which often relieves stress. Video games provide a positive aggression outlet the same way playing football, hockey or any other contact sport would.

        It should be evident that the views held degrading the use of video games hold little if any merit. The argument that video games consume too much time and are violent hold little weight, because parents can impose a time limit of how long games can be played, and in the same manner parents choose which television shows are suitable, they can choose which video games are appropriate for their children to play. Furthermore, the violence depicted in video games is computer generated characters, whereas the violence in television shows are real life people. Contrary to these arguments, video games are indeed beneficial because they develop the minds of children in ways school does not, it can expose them to cultures around the world and it equips them mentally to deal with real life situations.

Works Cited

Daphne Baveler, “Video Games Boost Brain Power, Multitasking Skills” by     December 20, 2010.

Steven Johnson, “ Everything Bad Is Good for You: How Today's Pop Culture Is Actually Making Us Smarter, May 2005.

James Paul Bee, “What Video Games Have To Teach Us About Learning and Literacy”        May 16, 2003

Document Details

• Word Count 943
• Page Count 4
• Level University Degree
• Subject Linguistics, Classics and related subjects

Related Essays

Women in Politics Essay. Power and Pornography: Male Supremacy or Antiporno...

Major Essay: Obesity Discussion, DavidZinczenko's "Don't blame the eater".

Make a close analysis of the rhetorical features of Margaret Thatcher's spe...

Evolution of language. Humans exclusively use language, however communicati...

Everything begins with an idea!

Argumentative Video Games Essay Topics

Video games haven’t been around for decades, but the impact they have on kids and the world, in general, is massive. Typical video games are made up of a user-interface and interaction that sends a visual response to 3 or 2-dimensional video displays to keep the gamers thrillingly attached to the action. The story of video games doesn’t end with the practical part of it.  Today, video games have become a major topic of interests in most universities and colleges.

Students pursuing a course in journalism, sociology, political science, and public health will often be given video games assignments. Video games incorporate fresh content and data relating to journalism, sociology, political science, and public health.  For students to find their way around the involving and complex context of video games, they must be mentally ready to research for pure content and handle the challenges of creating unique content. Besides, they must understand which video game essay topics work to drive home the kind of information they are working on. Whether journalism, political science, sociology or public health student looking for convincing and informative video games essay topics, TopicsBase has got you covered.

• The Role Video Games Play in Improving Learning
• Violence and Video Games
• The Negative Impacts Video Games have on Children
• Violent Video Games Nurture Aggressive Behavior in Kids
• The Effects Violent Video Games Have on Children
• Invention, Growth and Refinement of Video Games
• Video Games As The Drive Behind Increased Violence Behaviors in Teens
• The Role Video Games Play In Enhancing Teens Critical Thinking
• The Pros and Cons of Video Games
• Sex and Violence as The Main Themes in Video Games
• Early Exposure to Video Games and the Effect it Has on Teenagers
• The Effect Of Violence in Video Games in New Relationships
• The Popularity and Increased Demand for Video Games
• The Positive Effects of Video Games on The Society
• The Frightening Nature Of Video Games
• How First Person Shooters Make Players React Faster?
• The Future of Video Games in The Coming Decade
• The History of Video Games
• The Nature of Assassin Video Game Simulations
• The Relationship Between Youth Violence and Violent Video Games
• How do Video Games act as A Learning Tool?
• Video Games As The Future Of Learning and Education
• Ethical Responsibility In Modern Video Games
• Don’t Play Video Games, and Here is Why
• The Pros and Cons of Videos
• How to Control Addition to Video Games
• Video Games Should Be Banned For Elevating Cases of Violence in Teens
• The Role of Parents In Regulating Teens’ Access to Violent Video Games
• The Mental and Physical Benefits of Video Games
• Can Playing Violent Video Games Hurt My Emotions?
• The Healing Effect of Video Games
• Analysis of Different Types of Video Games
• How Video Games Affect Your Brain and Emotions
• Myths and Misconceptions About Video Games
• The Rise of Video Games has Taken the World By Surprise

Have top experts do your papers.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

We use cookies to enhance our website for you. Proceed if you agree to this policy or learn more about it.

• Essay Database >
• Essay Examples >
• Essays Topics >
• Essay on Study

Is Video Gaming Good Or Bad Argumentative Essay

Type of paper: Argumentative Essay

Topic: Study , Skills , Video Games , Games , Education , Family , Virtual Reality , Children

Words: 1900

Published: 02/07/2020

ORDER PAPER LIKE THIS

Remember that we offer this and many other  free written essays strictly as examples.

The issue of video gaming being good or bad has been a topic of interest since the inception of the first video game in the early 20th century. Debates would often concentrate on the violence and chaos induced by video gaming, including the detrimental effects it has on its gamers in all age groups and a few would concentrate on its benefits. Nowadays, it is common to hear about crimes committed by gamers, especially from the teenage age group, in an attempt to recreate the scenes from the games they play. Experts and parents alike, including responsible gamers, agree that there are several risks involving video games. However, they also agreed that there are several major benefits with video gaming that is often unrealized given the concentration of many with video gaming’s dangerous side. Video gaming is actually very good for gamers as it promotes physical, mental, social, and emotional development that helps gamers keep up with the ups and downs of modern life. People often play video games for a variety of reasons, from entertainment, recreation to just to gain some insight on certain genres. Nowadays, people have second thoughts over video gaming, especially parents and experts, as gamers tend to exhibit aggressive and questionable behavior due to the games they play. However, studies have shown that video gaming can actually aid gamers in their physical, mental, social, and emotional capacities that sometimes is hard to learn with other methods; no matter what their genre of preference may be. In a physical aspects, studies have shown that video gaming can actually promote basic skills such as hand-to-eye coordination, motor skills, and the capacity to do things with both hands or ambidextrous. A recent study in Australia revealed that children immersed in video games, especially the interactive ones, tend to exhibit better object control motor skills- kicking, catching and throwing - than those who do not play video games. The study showed that enabling children to play interactive games with their consoles entices the children to move and act out the required action, sparking their curiosity over the motor skill being requested. Video gaming is also known for its development of a gamer’s hand-to-eye coordination as gamers would need strong concentration and agility to enact combos and skills in the games they play. A study had also revealed that video games not only improve hand-to-eye coordination, but also improves vision as some cataract patients who were asked to play games such as Call of Duty, had reported improved vision since these games would require gamers to assess the situation and act immediately against their target. Another physical benefit of video games is that it could aid gamers who have chronic illnesses and physical pain, providing them with a distraction to remove their minds to their illnesses. The University of Utah released their observations supporting this benefit as their study showed that children who are diagnosed with autism and Parkinson’s disease could improve their confidence and resilience through video gaming. The research observed that video games can stimulate the child’s neuronal mechanism to bring forth positive emotions that would enable the child to face their illnesses without worries. Physical pain can also be remedied by video games as noted by the experts in the University of Washington since video games can serve as a distraction to improve recovery and one’s outlook. The study showed that certain games, such as their virtual reality game “Snow World” could help patients forget about their physical pain by providing a distraction, enabling their wounds to recover and at the same time, enable them to enjoy the game. It is also discovered by the study that those who played the game would no longer require high dosage of medicine to help them recover since they have mostly forgotten about their ailments as the game progressed . In a mental aspect, video gaming sharpens the mind of the gamer in terms on how they get information and knowledge, as well as develop analytic and psychological skills that is necessary in real life. Experts have observed that children, who have been exposed to video games, tend to show more experience and proficiency with computers and its applications than those who did not play video games. Video gaming enabled these children, according to the study, to be familiar on how to associate computer functions and parts with those of video game functions, easily developing a method to understand how to work on programs and applications on another system. Experts had agreed that with this improved literacy with computers, video gamers do not need further instructions on how to use known computer applications. Advocates of video gaming also argue that video gaming actually enables gamers, especially children, to think of possible strategies and entice education since video games enable gamers to enter into several scenarios that would require them to perform real-like functions or to answer questions to pass to the next round or receive a certain amount of points. Efficiency is also tested by these video games since players would often need to execute skills and answer questions perfectly to gain perfect scores. Video games even sets gamers into different levels - from easy to hard – to enable them to challenge their strategic skills to complete the game with full completion rate. Aside from this, video games, even those with violent and mature content, teaches “soft skills” like critical thinking, logic, deduction, and decision-making skills since players would have to be very savvy to save their progress, money and skill points. In addition, video games and its genres often present different gameplay styles and formats that would allow gamers to become familiar with different formats, enhancing their cognitive and analytical skills to cater to these environments with accurate efficiency and performance capacity. Video games also serve as a perfect alternative for gamers to experience or learn certain skills that can be dangerous to experience in real life. Simulation games, for example, are used by many schools and institutions to guide their students or employees with their roles such as engineering, surgery, machine construction, and even computer programming. In most cases, simulation games also helps players to understand simple concepts such as math and science to explain theories, enabling their imaginations to run while in understanding theories they see on simulated games. Video gaming also offers players to visualize several aspects of life such as overcoming the nature of their decisions, and improve their relationships with their family and friends since some games can enact scenarios that would fit the player’s chosen career or skill. Aside from this, video gamers enables players to easily associate skills, concepts and functions to a real world application that is often missed. In MMORPG, for example, video gamers become familiar with several teachings and concepts – like history and fantasy- thanks to the storylines utilized by these games . In a social aspect, video gaming is good because it fosters competition and interaction with friends and family in any age group and preference. Over the last few years, video games are slowly releasing games that promotes two to multi-player interfaces enabling gamers to play with others online and in-person. Not only do these games teach mental and physical skills, these social games also foster leadership and responsibility skills since the gamers would have to coordinate with their team mates to win the game. Researches had showcased that no matter what genre is being played, video games improves players in the aspect of cooperative play and cooperative behavior, which is often hard to teach in real life since each gamer is different in their tolerance and aggression levels. Depending on the difficulty of the game and the organization of the team, video gamers would often forget of their differences and start devising plans to coordinate each other’s movements. In this end, video games enable camaraderie to exist within the team and inspire others at the same time. Empathy is also developed by video gaming since players would be able to understand how it feels to lose and win, and sometimes, even how life ends up as to how it is at present. Video gaming also helps children to fight their fears, enabling them to take control of their dreams and improve their social stability with fuller and stronger confidence . Finally, video gaming is good because it improves one’s emotional capacity and aid in one’s emotional recovery. Studies have observed, such as the one done by East Carolina University that video games tend to relax specific gamers. In the ECU study, gamers were requested to play three specific games each day for one week. The results confirmed that participants who played games had felt less stressed and became emotionally stable as they concentrated more on the video games than thinking about their problems. As the study continued, the participants who played games were more than relaxed as compared to those who did not play games. Experts believe that some people consider video games as their medicine to cope up with their emotional stresses, ending up playing in wee hours in the morning and recovering from their emotional aches the next day. It is also discovered that video gaming can also improve one’s self-esteem in the sense that it enables a gamer to look past his vulnerabilities and insecurities and think of positive thoughts. In one study, gamers who played the game “EyeSpy” of McGill University recorded high instances of players showing positive stimuli while playing the game. In this game, players would have to pick as many happy faces as possible before the time is up. The researchers had stressed that the game promotes a sense of accomplishment, adding to the development of the gamer’s self-esteem and slowly help him understand the consequences of his lack of self-worth . The potential of video games to improve a person’s physical, mental, social and emotional aspect continues to grow as new techniques and improvements are done to improve gameplay for each gamer in every age group. While it is agreeable that some video games tend to foster negative behaviors such as immorality, violence and aggression; the video gaming market also provides mediums for gamers to improve their skills and behaviors with different gaming genres and storylines that challenges the gamer to succeed. Aspects such as leadership, analytical skills and decision-making is strengthened by video gaming; improving gamers’ physical, mental and social capacities. Video gaming also helps in physical and emotional recovery, especially for those who require an alternative or distraction to their pains. In this aspect, video gaming enables gamers to understand the ups and downs of life, and improve one’s perceptions of the world’s many theories and concepts.

Works Cited

Gallagher, Danny. "7 health benefits of playing video games." The Week. 10 March 2013. Web. 4 June 2013. <http://theweek.com/article/index/241121/7-health-benefits-of-playing-video-games>. Kantra, Suzanne. "Yes, video games can be good for kids." USA Today. 2 December 2012. Web. 4 June 2013. <http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/personal/2012/12/01/video-games-can-be-good-for-kids/1736649/>. Michell, Alice and Carol Savill-Smith. The use of computer and video games for learning. London: Learning and Skills Development, 2004. Print Miller, Bobby. "Get Gaming: The Emotional, Physical, and Psychological Benefits of Video Games." NVate. 30 October 2012. Web. 4 June 2013. <http://nvate.com/7385/gaming-benefits/>.

Cite this page

Share with friends using:

Removal Request

Finished papers: 511

This paper is created by writer with

ID 285494084

If you want your paper to be:

Well-researched, fact-checked, and accurate

Original, fresh, based on current data

Eloquently written and immaculately formatted

275 words = 1 page double-spaced

Get your papers done by pros!

Other Pages

Agenda argumentative essays, elbow creative writings, freight creative writings, fairy creative writings, deployment creative writings, quilt creative writings, swing creative writings, cap creative writings, shark creative writings, dose creative writings, pear creative writings, sociology essay example 5, counseling psychology course work example, free counselling course work sample, sample course work on common factors in psychotherapy, research proposal on need for the study, personal statement on applying for doctoral degree of early childhood education, good success of the boost business moving forward case study example, fat hydrogenation and how to lower fat without affecting diet palatability essay example, women driving in saudi arabia research paper samples, professional business development essays example, finance assessing a companys cost control strategies using cost volume profit essay samples, kantianism theory essay example, business statistical data course work example, marketing walmart research paper samples, the gulf war research papers example, hrd 350 45 research papers examples, good the advantages of using internet based marketing communications are as follows essay example, example of beginnings unwanted child to great scientist essay, report on confidential not for wider circulation, good critical analysis of research article review example, mahwah essays, pope alexander iv essays, mcdonough essays, rawson essays, aid programs essays, market leader essays, human resources department essays, water resources essays, birth weight essays, oates essays, entire world essays, management plan essays.

Password recovery email has been sent to [email protected]

Use your new password to log in

You are not register!

By clicking Register, you agree to our Terms of Service and that you have read our Privacy Policy .

Now you can download documents directly to your device!

Check your email! An email with your password has already been sent to you! Now you can download documents directly to your device.

or Use the QR code to Save this Paper to Your Phone

The sample is NOT original!

Short on a deadline?

Don't waste time. Get help with 11% off using code - GETWOWED

No, thanks! I'm fine with missing my deadline

Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Video Games — Video Games: A Sport or Not

Video Games: a Sport Or not

• Categories: Video Games

About this sample

Words: 689 |

Published: Jan 31, 2024

Words: 689 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, definition and criteria for a sport, video games and their competitive elements, factors that distinguish video games from traditional sports, arguments against video games being considered a sport, counterarguments and rebuttals.

• Physical exertion
• Competitive nature
• Organized structure and rules
• Skill requirement
• Blomberg, R. (2019). Video Games Can Never Be Sport. Huffpost. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/video-games-sport-no_n_5bec5f35e4b0a043787eceeb
• Bromberg, M. (2020). What IS a Sport? And Why Does It Matter? ABC News. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/sport-matter/story?id=67409964
• WHO (2019). WHO | Physical Activity. WHO. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity
• Norris, E. (2021). Esports’ global revenue will break $1 billion in 2020. Medium. Retrieved from https://medium.com/@blakepanzinoesports/esports-global-revenue-will-break-1-billion-in-2020-c8c2f608b368

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Entertainment

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 808 words

2 pages / 1132 words

1 pages / 464 words

7 pages / 3039 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Video Games

In a world where video games have become a ubiquitous form of entertainment for people of all ages, the debate over whether they should be banned has become increasingly contentious. From concerns about their impact on mental [...]

The notion that video games cause violence has been a topic of debate and concern for many years. However, a wealth of research challenges this belief, suggesting that the relationship between video games and violent behavior is [...]

Video games have become an integral part of modern society, with millions of people engaging in gaming activities on a regular basis. The prevalence of video games raises important questions about their impact on individuals, [...]

Video games have become an integral part of modern society, with millions of people across the globe engaging in gaming activities. Despite the widespread popularity of video games, they are often criticized for their negative [...]

An article “Student Opinion: Video Gaming Can Be Harmless and Even Helpful” by Cheney Wu talks about benefits of playing video games. He also says that too much video game is not a good thing, but with right the portion of [...]

One of the ideas that the twenty-first century has brought to us is a new form of play and how often we as individuals associate it with technology. But why do we associate it with technology and what is that reason? Our [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free