Looking back at my own childhood, video games have had a huge impact on my own development in ways many parents wouldn’t imagine. I grew up in a home with a negligent alcoholic father and a mother who worked hard every day of the week to support my brother and me. I looked to gaming to help teach me life lessons that I have cherished until this day. Video games, like books, contain valuable lessons, interesting characters, and intriguing plots that make us think in ways we wouldn’t if we were not exposed to them.
Its sequel, Chrono Cross, allowed me to think philosophically, and wonder about the 'what ifs' in life and how life would be different if we chose a different path. The protagonist, Serge, finds himself traveling between parallel worlds where one is his normal life, and the other is a world without him.
The Old Republic MMO has allowed me to live life on the dark side without the real life consequences. I learned that I would never be able to do the evil things in life; even doing it in the virtual world has made me sick with guilt.
I can go on and on about what I have learned from every game I have played, but most people like to look at the few negatives and overlook the benefits. Of course, I'm not condoning that parents should let their child sit in front of the computer or TV all day playing games. Like everything else, gaming should be played in moderation. Happy Gaming!