It seems like everything that comes out about video games is negative. One student tried to kill his classmates and was an avid Call of Duty player. A study has been released that proves that playing video games will turn you into a criminal. The many benefits of games and gaming, such as their possible applications to education and their ability to tell more complex stories than other forms of media, are almost universally ignored. I know better, though. Considering the entire life I have spent playing and loving video games, and the articles I have found, I can tell you that video games do not cause violent behavior or thoughts. First, to evaluate the opposite statement: Video games, especially popular ones, tend to be violent, using combat as a tool to provide challenges to the player. This typically involves shooting opponents to death, although many games set in different times allow the player to use swords, bows, and a variety of different medieval weapons. These violent games are also often played in first person, to increase immersion in the game world. With all this in mind, it is argued, there must surely be some sort of effect on the people who play these games. Being exposed to violence in such a personal and increasingly realistic way makes people more violent and aggressive. (Bickham) The only problem is that this isn't the case. Studies have extensively tested this theory, and overall, the verdict is that we're not sure. Studies have been published that have defended and refuted the “video games cause violence” argument. However, it is interesting to note a few things about the studies. First, the metric used to assess participants' aggression is unreliable at best; a person punching a Bozo...... middle of paper...... entire, including engaging and interesting stories and opportunities to better educate students. Works Cited Bickham, David S. "Testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Property Rights." (2006). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Network. March 7, 2006. Ferguson, Christopher J. “Video Games: The Ultimate Scapegoat for Violence.” Chronicle of Higher Education 53 (2007). Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Network. March 7, 2012.Kushner, David. "Off target." Electronic Gaming Monthly August 2007: 12-16. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Network. March 7, 2012.Portnow, James, Daniel Floyd, and Allison Theus. "Extra credit." - PATV. Penny Arcade, Inc. Web. March 15, 2012. Wilson, Lee. “Making Mistakes: Killing Video Game Myths.” Technology and Learning September 15, 2007. Opposing Points of View. Network. March 7. 2012.