Can games make a better world?

Jane McGonigal seems to think so. Check out this video!


Gaming can make a better world

"My goal for the next decade is to try to make it as easy to save the world in real life as it is to save the world in online games.” 

So after watching the video, some of you may be thinking, "But what about violence in video games? Isn't that a bad thing?" In my opinion, only if you don't monitor the games your kids are playing.

There are ratings on the backs of every game case for a reason. "M" games are meant for MATURE audiences, meaning 18+. If your child isn't 18+, and you buy him an M rated game, then I believe that you aren't allowed to blame the game for your child's violent behaviors.

"But what if I just give him some money and he goes out and buys whatever he wants?!"

Most places that I know of don't sell M rated games to minors. They specifically ask for an ID, and they won't sell you that game unless it states that you're over 18. And if you don't like the game, most places let you return it for full price within the first week of having it. If it's later than that, most places will buy it back from you, even if you didn't buy it there in the first place. Also, if you're worried about your child buying a game that he or she shouldn't be playing, you probably shouldn't let them just run off into a game store anyway...

Other than that, I don't see why gaming couldn't make a better world. It's already been suggested that gaming can improve your hand-eye coordination, and there are plenty of puzzle games out there that help your brain stay strong. There's even training simulation games, used by police officers, firemen, doctors, ect. Why not take it to the next level?