I’m sure I’m not the only gamer who is fed up with the constant hysteria and criticism surrounding videogames in mainstream press.  There seems to be a new article damning them almost every week.  If we’re not a bunch of axe-murderers in the making, then we will soon be, all thanks to the evil influence of our corrupt, immoral and sadistic games.  To me, it seems ludicrous to lump almost every game ever made (Wii usually exluded) into the same category.  Some games are violent, sure.  That’s why they are rated appropriately.  Just like films.  Why isn’t this being understood?  But even the Byron report’s fairly glowing words fell on deaf ears. 

I completely understand that there are people out there who may not understand the varied nature and content of games.  I’m sure I’m not the only one who has seen a parent hand over a copy of Gears of War to their 10 year old in a games shop, blissfully unaware.  I can empathise it must be confusing to get your head around a relatively new and constantly evolving interactive medium.  But surely our mainstream press should be helping to educate these people, not scaring them to death?  I’m glad my own parents haven’t fallen for their scaremongering.

However, every so often you read an article that slightly renews your faith in the universe.  This week it was a actually two articles. One in the Guardian online, by Naomi Alderman.  And one by horror author Stephen King, for Entertainment Weekly.  You can read the former here (it’s also worth taking a look at the comments following it), and the latter here. One thing’s for sure, videogames are certainly a hot topic, and everyone has something to say.  Is there a grain of truth in what the mainstream press say?  Do you think videogames need more - or less - regulation?  Whatever the opinion, let’s just hope we don’t all go off on a Manhunt-charged killing spree before we get a chance to voice them, eh?