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{{See also|chess}}, as a strategic board game it is a foundation of thinking and may help with the [[addiction|addictive]] habits cultivated by video gaming.

{{See also|chess}}, as a strategic board game it is a foundation of thinking and may help with the [[addiction|addictive]] habits cultivated by video gaming.

A '''video game''' is an electronic game, which is played on a device such as a [[computer]] or [[Video game console|console]]. Video games provide the user with audio and visual feedback when the game is played. Today, they are often played with others, either in-person or over the [[Internet]]. Board games are often converted into video games using online matchmaking and scripted bots, and one of the most popular of these is [[chess]] for its' strategic gameplay.  '''''One expert observes that "every school shooter has been been heavily immersed in violent first person shooter games."'''''<ref>https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13636601/psychology-assassins-killers-mind-shooters.html</ref>

A '''video game''' is an electronic game, which is played on a device such as a [[computer]] or [[Video game console|console]]. Video games provide the user with audio and visual feedback when the game is played. Today, they are often played with others, either in-person or over the [[Internet]]. Board games are often converted into video games using online matchmaking and scripted bots, and one of the most popular of these is [[chess]] for its' strategic gameplay.  '''''One expert observes that "every school shooter has been heavily immersed in violent first person shooter games."'''''<ref>https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13636601/psychology-assassins-killers-mind-shooters.html</ref>

Criticisms of video games are that they are [[addiction|addictive]], train [[young mass murderers]], and promote liberal talking points or ideas. By exploiting [[addiction]], one article says that the "Global Video Games Market (is) to Reach $293.2 Billion by 2027."<ref>https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-video-games-market-reach-104400018.html</ref> Additionally, another article states that In 2022, in [[Japan]], that "17 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 12 spend more than four hours a day gaming — up from 9% in 2017, with a similar jump seen among those between the ages of 12 and 15."<ref>https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/12/18/national/social-issues/video-game-addiction/</ref> As to liberality, Video games, even ones exported to [[Russia]], increasingly promote the [[homosexual agenda]] contrary to the policy of Russia and elsewhere.<ref>https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/ea-keeps-lgbtq-content-in-russian-release-of-sims-4-wedding-pack/</ref>   

Criticisms of video games are that they are [[addiction|addictive]], train [[young mass murderers]], and promote liberal talking points or ideas. By exploiting [[addiction]], one article says that the "Global Video Games Market (is) to Reach $293.2 Billion by 2027."<ref>https://finance.yahoo.com/news/global-video-games-market-reach-104400018.html</ref> Additionally, another article states that In 2022, in [[Japan]], that "17 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 12 spend more than four hours a day gaming — up from 9% in 2017, with a similar jump seen among those between the ages of 12 and 15."<ref>https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/12/18/national/social-issues/video-game-addiction/</ref> As to liberality, Video games, even ones exported to [[Russia]], increasingly promote the [[homosexual agenda]] contrary to the policy of Russia and elsewhere.<ref>https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/ea-keeps-lgbtq-content-in-russian-release-of-sims-4-wedding-pack/</ref>   

Violent video games are particularly addictive for boys and young men.<ref>https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/video-game-addiction</ref><ref>https://americanaddictioncenters.org/video-gaming-addiction</ref> Additionally, Video games are associated with dropping out of school and the video game industry is criticized for exploiting its workers.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-all-night-gaming-results-in-dropping-out-of-college-11566898208</ref><ref>http://www.carillonregina.com/labour-exploitation-rampant-in-video-game-industry/</ref>

Violent video games are particularly addictive for boys and young men.<ref>https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/video-game-addiction</ref><ref>https://americanaddictioncenters.org/video-gaming-addiction</ref> Additionally, video games are associated with dropping out of school and the video game industry is criticized for exploiting its workers.<ref>https://www.wsj.com/articles/when-all-night-gaming-results-in-dropping-out-of-college-11566898208</ref><ref>http://www.carillonregina.com/labour-exploitation-rampant-in-video-game-industry/</ref>

At least one study showed that "young men are playing video games instead of getting jobs," as reported by the ''Chicago Tribune''.<ref>https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-video-games-jobs-emploment-20160923-story.html</ref>  Young adults would be helping themselves by seeking alternatives to video games during recreational periods.

At least one study showed that "young men are playing video games instead of getting jobs," as reported by the ''Chicago Tribune''.<ref>https://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ct-video-games-jobs-emploment-20160923-story.html</ref>  Young adults would be helping themselves by seeking alternatives to video games during recreational periods.

Games have risen in popularity over the years, as is shown in the rise of video game sales from the 1980s until today. This has brought with it a large amount of controversy as the video game industry continues to grow with its original player base.

Games have risen in popularity over the years, as is shown in the rise of video game sales from the 1980s until today. This has brought with it a large amount of controversy as the video game industry continues to grow with its original player base.

Video games are addictive activities targeted at teenagers, often with tragic results.{{citation needed}} Certain genres of games are becoming increasingly violent and offensive, attracting the attention of legislators in many states to protect the exploitation of children by them. Games such as ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' are very violent, sexually explicit, and feature [[criminal]] behavior. These games are rated "M 17+" for "Mature," but courts have stricken down laws preventing retailers from selling them to children, under an interpretation that the First Amendment protects offensive video games even for children.<ref>http://gamepolitics.livejournal.com/148962.html</ref> After a ''Conservapedian'' filed an [[amicus brief]] with the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] to consider this issue, it surprised [[liberal]]s by granting ''[[certiorari]]''.

Video games are addictive activities targeted at teenagers, often with tragic results. Certain genres of games are becoming increasingly violent and offensive, attracting the attention of legislators in many states to protect the exploitation of children by them. Games such as ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' are very violent, sexually explicit, and feature [[criminal]] behavior. These games are rated "M 17+" for "Mature," but courts have stricken down laws preventing retailers from selling them to children, under an interpretation that the First Amendment protects offensive video games even for children.<ref>http://gamepolitics.livejournal.com/148962.html</ref> After a ''Conservapedian'' filed an [[amicus brief]] with the [[U.S. Supreme Court]] to consider this issue, it surprised [[liberal]]s by granting ''[[certiorari]]''.

However, in 2011, the Supreme Court denied a ban on the sale of violent video games in California, claiming they were protected as they "qualify for First Amendment Protection" and pointing out that there has historically been no shortage of violent imagery in children's fairytales, classical literature, and comics.  Writing for the majority, Justice Scalia pointed out that "disgust is not a valid basis for restricting expression", and continued that any effects of violent video games on children "are both small and indistinguishable from effects produced by other media".<ref>[https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/08-1448.pdf BROWN, GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, ET AL. v. ENTERTAINMENT MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION ET AL.]</ref>

However, in 2011, the Supreme Court denied a ban on the sale of violent video games in California, claiming they were protected as they "qualify for First Amendment Protection" and pointing out that there has historically been no shortage of violent imagery in children's fairytales, classical literature, and comics.  Writing for the majority, Justice Scalia pointed out that "disgust is not a valid basis for restricting expression", and continued that any effects of violent video games on children "are both small and indistinguishable from effects produced by other media".<ref>[https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/10pdf/08-1448.pdf BROWN, GOVERNOR OF CALIFORNIA, ET AL. v. ENTERTAINMENT MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION ET AL.]</ref>

The District of Columbia, found to have the highest percentage of overweight children, also had the highest percentage nationwide of children spending an incredible 4 hours plus in front of a screen.<ref>[http://www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk/component/content/article/1-nof-in-the-media/338-tvvideo-games-and-child-obesity.html TV Video Games and obesity]</ref>]]

The District of Columbia, found to have the highest percentage of overweight children, also had the highest percentage nationwide of children spending an incredible 4 hours plus in front of a screen.<ref>[http://www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk/component/content/article/1-nof-in-the-media/338-tvvideo-games-and-child-obesity.html TV Video Games and obesity]</ref>]]

The National Obesity Forum indicates:

The National Obesity Forum indicates:

{{cquote|The figures highlighted by the "F as in Fat" annual report [Trust for America's Health 2007 Annual Report] were retrieved from the Data Resource Center on Child and Adolescent Health website. The analysis of these figures reveals a strong positive correlation between hours spent on TV/Video game play and the percentage of children classed as overweight per state. The state of Utah was acclaimed with the lowest percentage of children overweight, and was found to have the second lowest proportion of children spending 2 or more hours on TV/Video game play. The District of Columbia, found to have the highest percentage of overweight children, also had the highest percentage nationwide of children spending an incredible 4 hours plus in front of a screen.<ref>[http://www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk/component/content/article/1-nof-in-the-media/338-tvvideo-games-and-child-obesity.html TV Video Games and obesity]</ref>}}

{{cquote|The figures highlighted by the "F as in Fat" annual report [Trust for America's Health 2007 Annual Report] were retrieved from the Data Resource Center on Child and Adolescent Health website. The analysis of these figures reveals a strong positive correlation between hours spent on TV/Video game play and the percentage of children classed as overweight per state. The state of Utah was acclaimed with the lowest percentage of children overweight, and was found to have the second lowest proportion of children spending 2 or more hours on TV/Video gameplay. The District of Columbia, found to have the highest percentage of overweight children, also had the highest percentage nationwide of children spending an incredible 4 hours plus in front of a screen.<ref>[http://www.nationalobesityforum.org.uk/component/content/article/1-nof-in-the-media/338-tvvideo-games-and-child-obesity.html TV Video Games and obesity]</ref>}}

''Slate'' reported in 2012:

''Slate'' reported in 2012:

== Overcoming addiction to video games ==

== Overcoming addiction to video games ==

As with any [[addiction]], video game usage can be hard to overcome as soon as one is drawn into it.  Fortunately, [[faith]]-based efforts to overcome addiction can be effective and rewarding, and churches exist in part to help people overcome harmful vices in the world.  (See also: [[habit]]) The Online Gamers Anonymous website is a good example, and has chapters in many places, nooks and crannies.

As with any [[addiction]], video game usage can be hard to overcome as soon as one is drawn into it.  Fortunately, [[faith]]-based efforts to overcome addiction can be effective and rewarding, and churches exist in part to help people overcome harmful vices in the world.  (See also: [[habit]]) The Online Gamers Anonymous website is a good example and has chapters in many places, nooks and crannies.

[[Catholicism]] recommends that people give up something they like on Fridays, and throughout all of [[Lent]].  For some, it is easy to end a bad habit altogether once one is successful in giving it up at least one day a week, or throughout the 40 days of Lent.   

[[Catholicism]] recommends that people give up something they like on Fridays, and throughout all of [[Lent]].  For some, it is easy to end a bad habit altogether once one is successful in giving it up at least one day a week, or throughout the 40 days of Lent.