Causes and effects related to the success of the phenomenon of video games - Essay Example

Cause 1 During the course of this discussion we would specifically be looking at the different causes and effects that have contributed to the success of proliferating this culture. A major cause for the expansion of the video game industry in recent times has been the ever mushrooming entertainment industry of US in particular. With the passage of time as the entire entertainment market of the country has undergone diversification novel frontiers have been explored for launching and marketing a product.

For the fulfillment of this purpose the gaming industry has proved to be the economic backbone. Fiction based movies that are based on comic book or mythical characters such as Batman, Spiderman, Harry Potter or Hercules before their release launch their video games in order to ensure that the gain accessibility to address the needs and requirements of every market segment. Since children in any form play the most proactive role of determining the success or failure of a product it is important that their needs are addressed accordingly. (Flew. 113) Effect A concomitant effect of this has been observed in the development of extremely violent behavioral attitudes among children.

Many of these games that are based on comic books characters contain intense violent and brutal ways of killing enemies as a result of which they have an overwhelmingly profound effect on the behavioral development of children. In addition to this many of these games also contain highly vituperative and inflammatory language which after developing a habit if playing these games children inherits with utmost ease. Another effect of the video game culture that is also important to mention in this context is that by getting addicted to this culture many people begin to believe in the existence of a fantasized world comprising of all these superheroes none of which exist in reality.

Hence video games can also be accused for presenting fantasy in such a realistic way that is becomes more realistic than reality itself. Cause 2 The global gaming industry which is handled primarily by the technological kingpins of United States is also overwhelmingly influenced by the political operations and military affairs that are taking place in the country. We are all well aware about the military turbulence that the United States is currently going through. This is simultaneously reflected and projected in the content and storyline of the games that are prepared by the gaming industry.

Many of the games such as Call of Duty, Delta Force and Medal of Honor are based on war missions many of which are based in either Afghanistan, Iraq or in any different country of the world. Even though on a technological scale these games are simply flawless, but they do develop and impose their effects on the members of a society in rather subtle ways. Effect One of such effect has been in the form of developing and incorporating stereotypes in the minds of their people regarding different nations and their civilians respectively.

For instance, there remains less discussion about the fact that the West has long portrayed Arabs either in the role of nomads or greedy oil sheiks. Similarly, the women belonging to these countries have been characterized either as belly dancers or people who are continuously subdued or oppressed by their husbands. This kind of projection has further cemented in the minds of American people with the