subject: Video Game Sales: Ratings Not Always Taken Into Consideration [print this page] Everyone hears about claims about the affects of video games on children. Some say that they contribute to obesity, socialization issues and increased violence. When asked, most people had similar beliefs about appropriate video game use for children. Even so, a recent survey found ratings on video games were not considered by quite a few respondents when purchasing games for children. This could be because the ratings are not fully understood. It may also be that people are swayed by specific requests by the child.
One of the main influencers for purchasing video games were actually friends and family, 28%. This was followed by television advertising, 19%, social media sites, 8%, search engines, 7%, online advertising, 6%, retailer websites, 6%, and a handful who responded to print ads, consumer review sites and magazine advertising. None claimed to have been swayed by billboards or radio advertising.
It is possible that peer recommendations might be at the root of many children asking for games with teen or mature ratings, when some games were clearly not designed for younger children to play. A majority, 66%, thought that violent video games might increase violent tendencies in a child. A larger number, 84%, felt that adults should be responsible and limit the time a child spends playing video games. Even 54% believed that video games could confuse a child's understanding of reality and fantasy.
The picture became more grim when respondents were asked about social problems that video games might cause with 64% thinking that they might socially isolate a child. Although, many children might argue with this as they play games with friends. There are many games in which participants are able to meet online and play with or against each other. While it may not be traditional social interaction, it is a form of interaction.
Others seemed to think video games were standing between children and parents. A parent's interaction with their child is reduced if the child focuses on video games too much, said 70% of respondents. A full 83% also felt that the current generation of children prefers to play with video games over playing outside.
With all of these negative attitudes, video game sales are quite brisk. The answer may be that, while video games appear to have a downside, they are fun to play. They are also a great stress reliever for some, while others enjoy the challenges they provide. One panelist noted that they are "a chance to escape from the worries of the day, if only temporarily." Clearly, video games are here to stay.
