Gaming — More Than Just Play

Everyone plays games in some form or another. Various games work their way into one’s subconscious in some way — probably the most obvious reason children should not be exposed to violent video games — but it’s interesting when you think about just how much it is affecting you in positive ways as well. For example, the “BigFarm” game that we played in class gives you a small glimpse into the demanding world of farming. You are not actually planting corn and building chicken coops, but you are still immersed in the object of the game and get a feel for the stress and demands of running a farm. Growing up, I often played the Sims. A friend of mine could not handle this game; after half an hour, her house was on fire and social workers were taking her children. From this experience she decided that she could not be trusted to manage a home and family. It may sound silly, but the way those types of games work their way into your subconscious do sometimes shape the way you think of yourself and life.