Fact or Fiction: Debunking 5 Gaming Myths

Gaming myths are vast. There's a certain image that goes along with a gamer. Here are five myths that just don't hold true to this family. Prepare to be enlightened.

1. Video Games make you violent.

FICTION! Video games get a lot of smack when it comes to violence. I honestly can’t recall a time when there was a school shooting and violent video games ended up being a part of the story. Sometimes it’s not even the violence that makes gamers irritable. When the game becomes frustrating (like the ice puzzles in Twilight Princess >:[ ), I’ve noticed some people vent their frustrations out on someone. This does not justify the outbursts my any means, but it doesn’t mean the game’s violence made them fly off the handle. What I’ve noticed from The Gamer is that he likes to stay away when he’s really frustrated. The frustration isn’t necessarily from a game. Video games can actually vent off those feelings. It doesn’t mean The Gamer doesn’t want to talk. It means he doesn’t want to take his frustrations out on me. I respect that.

2. Gamers are antisocial.

FICTION! You can be an introvert, like The Gamer, and still be social. It’s just selective and you don’t mind being with a small group of friends. The Gamer has mentioned this phrase to me many times when it comes to socializing, “quality over quantity”. It helps them make friends and sometimes they end up doing more activities other than gaming once they’ve established the common hobby. Gaming conferences are turning out to be extremely huge, a place where you can be social because you know others are there, sharing in the love of video games. One good example I’ve found is this video about fans expressing their thanks to the developers of the Kingdom Hearts series.

3. Games Rot Your Brain.

FICTION! As we’ve discussed in a previous post, a healthy amount of time in front of a game actually helps your brain. Video games can help with problem solving, strategy, eyesight, types of therapy, and more! Some games are better for your brain than others. When The Gamer still wants to exercise his brain, he plays games like Minecraft where you create and solve your own problems. Then there are more strategic games like Portal that he will play. And of course the fun games like Smash Bros. that will let your brain relax.

4. Gamers don’t take care of themselves.

They don’t exercise; they live in their parent’s basement, and don’t hold a job. FICTION! A recent study commissioned by game-streaming site Twitch.tv found that gamers defy common expectations. Gamers tend to be young, social and employed, doing fewer things alone and reporting good relationships with friends and family. In this family, The Gamer has made it very clear to me that loved ones come before video games no matter what. It’s one of the reasons why I love him so much. He knows what’s important.

5. Gamers only want to play games and nothing else.

FICTION! While playing video games is The Gamer’s go-to activity, he also likes to play board games, go for walks with The Wife, and take his wife to Barnes and Noble and the movies to make her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. According to an article I read recently, it said, “Gamers are generally more educated and are concerned about ideological issues like having a good impact on society and supporting ethical businesses.” This holds true to The Gamer as he would rather listen to NPR and BBC radio during his work commute than music. When he does get to have an intellectual conversation with someone, he is in a good mood when he comes home from work, which puts me in a good mood as well.

There are people out there that hold true to some of these myths. They are becoming the minority now. As for The Gamer and I, well, you now know that these myths are just not who we are.

I won’t be doing a post next week because of the holidays so see you in a couple of weeks! Merry Christmas! Thanks for reading!