# data[].attributes.body
- Owen, Phil, et al. “What Is A Video Game? A Short Explainer.” The Wrap, https://www.thewrap.com/what-is-a-video-game-a-short-explainer/. Accessed 16 December 2022.
- “Part 1.4: Parents and Games.” Pew Research Center, 16 September 2008, https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2008/09/16/part-1-4-parents-and-games/. Accessed 16 December 2022.
- “Video games play may provide learning, health, social benefits.” American Psychological Association, 25 November 2013,https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2013/11/video-games. Accessed 16 December 2022.
- “Media & Entertainment Video Games Sector.” International Trade Administration, https://www.trade.gov/media-entertainment-video-games-sector. Accessed 9 November 2022.
- Gardner, Matt. “What’s The Future Of Gaming? Industry Professors Tell Us What To Expect.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattgardner1/2020/06/11/whats-the-future-of-gaming-industry-professors-tell-us-what-to-expect/?sh=78a426016c4f.

# data[].attributes.body
In conclusion, video games are not all they're made out to be. They have complex effects on the human mind and can be beneficial or harmful according to how they are used. Overall, the positive effects of video games on children overshaddow the negative effects that are harder to prove as video gaming is a fairly new obsession. With correct surveillance by parents, video games can have a healthy impact on a child's problem solving skills and creativity. Furthermore, the promised future of video games cna be good for children, as studies show that video games are heading in a positive, less destructive direction.  It is important that parents and teachers take a lighter approach to video games and have an open mind towards the playing of video games.

# data[].attributes.body
Video games are one of the most versitle forms of media with a definition that expands across phone, console, and computer games, but this expansive definition can lead to misconceptions. According to Phil Owen, “The label “video game” casts an absurdly large net over a whole lot of different things. There are a million different kinds of video games, and each of them sorta functions as its own form of entertainment media"(Owen). In other words, video games have different purposes and intents, and not all video games deserve the negative repuation they recieve just for being under the video game category. There are many video games, yes, even the violent ones, that can have a positive influence on children and growth.

# data[].attributes.headline
Video Games & the Future: Headed in a positive direction? 

# data[].attributes.subject
Video Games & the Future: Headed in a positive direction? 

# data[].attributes.body
If video games are such a huge part of people's lives today, how are new technological advances going to change the next generation of gamers? The next step for gaming companies is so: "doctors believe that mixed reality will be the big winner, with future games “combining virtual and augmented reality technology”(Gardner). This step forward combines technology that is already known and in use, which allows for a much subtle change to video games. Any huge changes could have detrimental effects on children who already take video games quite seriously, however, experts say that the future of gaming relies on the improvement of current tech. A big idea right now is virtual reality, however, according to Matt Gardner, virtual reality will become less popular because it is more expensive and it blocks out reality, which is the opposite of what gamers are looking for. Gamers want to see the reality behind what they're playing, and straying from unrealistic virtual reality games could create a much more aware gamer.

# data[].attributes.body
There is a common misconception that parents today don't care about what their children play, but, studies are proving that parents have more control over their children's gaming habits than previously thought. “Fully 63% of parents of 12- to 14-year-old teens say they always know what games their children are playing, compared with 48% of parents of 15- to 17-year-olds"(Pew Research Center). This data shows that most parents of younger children are aware of their children's habits and have limitations for their children that line up with the rating standards for games. However, as children get older and reach their teen phase, parents start to give their teens more freedom to make their own decisions, which is an aspect to parenting that's never easy, but essential none the less.

# data[].attributes.body
Overall, video games have a very positive impact on society and on children despite the negative stigma that it receives. Even violent video games can have net positive effects on children. “A 2013 meta-analysis found that playing shooter video games improved a player’s capacity to think about objects in three dimensions, just as well as academic courses to enhance these same skills, according to the study”(American Psycological Association). Despite having very violent content and mature themes and goals, shooter games can prove very beneficial for children in the sense that they gain creativity. Additionally, shooter games have a strong impact on a child's problem solving skills and quick thinking skills as video games require them to use quick judgements and to form solutions on the spot (which is a key component to violent, higher rated video games as well).

# data[].attributes.body
With the rise of Covid-19 came the loneliness of isolation, but during the quarantine alone, video game sales and subscriptions increased by 31% (Media & Entertainment Video Games Sector). During a time of extreme loneliness, gaming provided children with an outlet to interact with their friends safely. Even though children were apart physically, they could still practice their collaboration and teamwork skills over a headset.

# data[].attributes.body
Video games have become such a big part of children's lives that some teachers have hopped on the trend as well. Modern day teachers have appealed to their students intrests by creating or implementing educational video games in their classrooms. These games allow students to expand their definition of video games to their education and makes them excited to learn.

# data[].attributes.body
On the top of many christmas lists and TV cabinets around the world, video games have been entertaining children, teens, and adults for decades. Ratings for all ages have led to separation between violent, innapropriate and mature content, but trends and fads have led to the breaching of these "walls" by younger audiences. On the flip side, video games have significantly improved a children's problem solving skills and creativity. When parents have control over their child's gaming life, including time spent on video games and content, they can promote learning and healthy habits within their children, that overcome the negative effects of innapropriate content and overuse of video games.