From one generation to the next... How have we become so obsessed?

First generation video games were played on a console called the Magnavox Odyssey and it was not until Atari's arcade game "Pong" that the public began to take more notice of the emerging industry. Second generation games used the VES (otherwise known as video entertainment system) and third generation games were introduced on the very popular nintendo entertainment system. Fourth and fifth generation games emerged from these beginnings and created consoles such as the mega drive/genesis, super nintendo entertainment system, sega, dreamcast, playstation, nintendo 64, and others. The focus of these early systems was to create an awareness of the advancements in technology and allow people to take on sports, challenges, and mind games in a different context separated from every day life. The types of games and game play that was provided to gamers consisted of simple sport games (pong), combat games (street fighter), platform games (donkey kong), etc.

Throughout time, the sixth and seventh generation games and consoles became VERY popular and consisted of ones such as playstation 2, gamecube, online games, xbox, playstation 3, xbox 360, and the wii. These consoles provided the avenue for games to take a skyrocketing difference in the types of games that are offered, the graphics and audio, as well as various ways in which you can participate in such games. The types of games that are offered include ones where people are able to fight their own battles, create their own personalities and choose their own destinies. The graphics and audio become more realistic and rather than sitting and playing the game by yourself - connecting online and playing with people all over the world has become one of the most popular today.

I feel that these changes have taken place for 3 main reasons: technology advancement, a change in societal roles and expectations as well as the need for fun and excitement in life. First off, technology and the people involved in technology have found a way to reach a higher level with regards to gaming and gamers. More and more advancements are being made everyday to increase the popularity of consoles and games and a focus has been derived from what the gamers want. Everyone wants games that are more realistic, challenging and unexpected. In society, changes have shifted from children and adults being very physical and active and spending time together to curling up on the couch for hours at a time getting lost in virtual worlds by themselves or with others through an internet cable. The expectations that people have for adolescents (and ourselves) these days falls short of those that existed in the "simpler times". It's much easier to escape from reality than deal with situations or problems head on and people are only expected so much from certain people. For example, parents are constantly caught sitting their child in front of a television or game so that they can have some "peace and quiet" around the house. Because of this, they become so wrapped in the games that they potentially forget what their role is and are often punished because of it. However! the last reason that I feel these changes have taken place is because all of this is FUN! Who wouldn't like to escape from reality every so often? I find it very exhilarating to be challenged and tested in a world where nothing really matters. I feel a great sense of accomplishment and success when I take the time to do well and plan my next moves in a strategic manner. I look forward to seeing how EIGHTH generation games and consoles will be and will probably be the first in line to buy!

In class, I discussed games that involved various levels and worlds that involve challenges to complete. I really enjoy games that don't give you much direction and allow you to make decisions and discoveries on your own. The issues that I could analyze could involve the fact that these types of games often take a lot of time complete and most often DAYS are put into them. This could be seen as potentially detrimental to one's day to day living tasks that should be performed. This notion of escaping from reality could become unhealthy when realistic expectations and goals are not being met.

I am unsure as to what theory (ies) I could use to apply this critical analysis. I was reading through them but am indifferent about which one would be the best to use. I was thinking possibly the magic-bullet theory, cultivation effect/theory, or possibly symbolic interactionism? I would appreciate any type of feedback.

Until next time!