New Video Game Sparks Old Question
 

Gamers are constantly battling the notion that video games have the ability to transform us into mindless zombies incapable of separating the virtual world from the real world. And I'd agree, if, having grown up playing Pac-Man and Super Mario, I would have had an obstinate urge to devour blue flashing spirits and kick retreating turtles that have receded into their shell. But curiously, my psyche never taunted me into living out those 2-D rendered scenarios, nor do I have this desire to clock a prostitute upside her head before mowing down innocent pedestrians a la Grand Theft Auto.

I don't see a question in your post, but I think video games do have an effect on people. I don't know about you but every time I see a turtle I jump on it and send it flying across the road. I live in the country and sadly I don't know of any prostitutes but I'm sure I'd run her over if given the chance. :P

I've argued for years that if a kid plays a videogame and then acts it out IRL, he has WAAAAAAAAAAY bigger issues than taking videogames seriously. Like...there's something wrong with this head and he needs medz sort of deal. I'm 23 and grew up playing videogames and not ever, even once have I thought of acting out a videogame...this coming from someone who plays first person shooters religiously. Real life is not even a part of my videogaming experience. You're simply deathly stupid or mentally retarded if you act out something in a videogame.

I completely agree with Lasereth. Video games are a release. One might contend they can be good enough to keep you from wanting to go back to reality. But they aren't a reality replacement.

I do periodically try to pick up random garbage like a busted rubber ducky life preserver, a band-aid and a piece of robe to try and get past daily obstacles in my life. Then again I played WAAAAAY too many adventure games. :D