Does the competition or the violence in videogames cause aggression? That was the question the authors of a study in the latest issue of the journal Psychology of Violence looked at. It was the first study to ask that question, the authors wrote, and their answer was: "It appears that competition, not violence, may be the video game characteristic that has the greatest influence on aggressive … [Read more...] about New take on videogame-fueled aggression
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No ‘God complex’ in Net safety, please
In his TED Talk, author Tim Harford tells the story of World War II prisoner of war Dr. Archie Cochrane and the start of his life-long observation about "the God complex" – the idea some people have that, no matter how complex the problem or conditions, they understand the way it all works and are "infallibly right" in what the solution should be. Problematic, if not dangerous in this … [Read more...] about No ‘God complex’ in Net safety, please
Supreme Court: Videogames, as other arts, are protected speech
The decision most probably settles the question of whether state laws can ban sales of violent videogames without violating the First Amendment. In a 7-2 decision, the Supreme Court has struck down a California law that "tried to make the sale or rental of mature-rated video games to underage consumers an illegal offense punishable by fine," Time reported. It was a landmark decision because, in a … [Read more...] about Supreme Court: Videogames, as other arts, are protected speech
New family gaming experience: Ohanarama
Anybody who grew up with or knows somebody who grew up with Disney's Lilo & Stitch film and cartoons knows "ohana" means "family" in Hawaiian, but also something more. The creators of Ohanarama are going for that spirit of multi-generational togetherness with their just-launched gaming service, which is now an app on Facebook and a site. Right now, the free, growing service offers single- and … [Read more...] about New family gaming experience: Ohanarama
E3 shows game consoles no longer king
The No. 1 takeaway I'm seeing from the US's No. 1 videogame convention – the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) that just ended in Los Angeles – is that consoles' grip on the videogame market is slipping. It's what anyone who plays electronic games or has kids who do probably senses: "After dominating the market for decades and making their way into 1 out of every 2 U.S. homes, consoles are … [Read more...] about E3 shows game consoles no longer king