The image of video games is not the best in the world. 

Politicians are quick to blame video games whenever a mass-shooting occurs, even when the shooter's motive is proven to be something else entirely. Many scientific studies have tried to find the correlation between gaming and violent tendencies. Despite the numerous studies, most researchers have come up empty. A lot of the results have been inconsistent and therefore impossible to replicate. If there is a definite link between videogames and violence, why are we not seeing more crimes committed by hardcore gamers? Would banning videogames lead to fewer crimes? 

As a gamer myself, I cannot deny the level of violence some games promote. Games such as “Grand Theft Auto”, “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare” and “God of War” are among the few titles that sprang to mind. Not only do they show creative ways to kill someone, they also allow you to commit these atrocities without any consequences. Still, the thought of going on a killing spree has never entered my mind. Video games are just a form of escapism to me–a healthy way to channel your stress. 

A prefecture in Japan has issued an ordinance to curb video-gaming time to 1 hour a day for children under 18. This new rule also applies to smartphone usage. However, this measure does not penalize those who don’t follow the rules. The prefectural government is merely encouraging parents to be more mindful of their children’s education and leisure time. 

Key words:

• Correlation: connection / relationship between different factors

• Numerous: multiple / many

• Tendency: tend to do something / tend to act in a specific way

• Come up empty: no result

• Inconsistent: not always the same / give different results

• Spring to mind: when an idea occurs to someone

• Atrocities: very cruel or wicked act

• Killing spree: Commit a lot of murders in a short time

• Escapism: to relieve stress by using entertainment or other pleasure

• Ordinance: an order given by the authority / municipality