In response to a recent video that promoted only violent scenes from video games, Games for Change has put together a video of equal length that shows video game moments at their emotional best.
The original 88-second compilation came from the White House and showed only scenes from M-rated video games (the equivalent to an R-rated movie). It included clips that are heavy on physical violence, swearing, blood, and gore — naturally, disturbing for anyone to watch.
Worth noting that all of the games featured in this White House video game montage are M-rated (the ESRB equivalent of R-rated). None of them are meant for kids. https://t.co/NkAldM99BJ
— Adam Shaw (C) (@AdamShawNY) March 9, 2018
But video games, like movies, come in many varieties, and context is important. Research has shown that the supposed link between video game violence and real-world violence is a misconception — to date, unproven. In fact, violent crime rates actually drop at times corresponding to the release of major games with violent content, such as Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty.
Games for Change’s own 88-second compilation shows how video games can be beautiful and empathetic, full of human moments that celebrate life, nature, and people coming together. They can foster creativity, imagination, and develop valuable 21st-century skills such as problem-solving. They deal with real issues, such as mental illness, loneliness, and compassion.
You can watch Games for Change’s video below:
Games for Change also released the following statement with the video:
After seeing that the White House produced a video depicting video games as ultra-violent, we felt compelled to share a different view of games. Video games, their innovative creators and the vast community of players are so much more than what is depicted in the White House’s video. We wanted to create our own version, at the same length, to challenge the White House’s misdirected blame being placed upon video games. We urge you to join us in celebrating the multifaceted features of video games: the beauty, creativity and joy that is inherent in this medium. To all you game developers and players who create and use games to connect with friends, to relax, to share experiences, to learn about new things, to inspire, to explore the unknown – this is for you!
Takethis.org added, “While it’s important to remember that there’s no proven link between video games and violence, Games for Change also wants to remind us that even violent games have beauty in them. The games highlighted in this video are created with love by real people in a diverse industry — just like every game we enjoy, violent or otherwise.”