Nolan Williams

Dr. Rand

UWRT 1104

6 February 2019

Since the early 1970’s video gaming has taken the world by storm, developing countless

varieties and capturing the attention of kids and adults alike. We have seen a massive

technological evolution of video games since Computer Space was first introduced by Nutting

Associates in 1971. We’ve gone from two buttons and a joystick on a massive arcade game, to

virtual reality at a fraction of the size. As video games improved visually and mechanically,

more people got hooked. These advancements transformed gaming into an entertainment

juggernaut, as it is currently the most popular and profitable form on entertainment. Typically,

when something reaches this level of popularity, there are just as many people on the other side

of the spectrum. Gaming is no exception, as reports of shootings being linked to playing violent

video games constantly pop up in the media. Many people see gaming as a distraction that has no

impact on the real world, or your life’s progression. Parents are concerned with their children

playing for excessive periods of time, limiting their access. There is lot more to video games than

what is shown at face value, including valuable academic and life skills. Gaming is an important

type of literacy, as 91% of children in the United States play regularly. The skills learned and

developed through each session will help the player in real world situations.