I am an older game player and I play a lot of war simulation games. My experience and draw to the games is not so much the pure action in the game itself, but rather the historical re-enactement the game provides. I places you in an experience that gives you some insight into the strategies and environment of the actual battles.

What I am always concerned about is the impact of these games on younger players that may not have developed the skills to discern between reality and simulation. Not that they are going to go out and start a war, but that do they understand the reality of war and the sacrafices made, an understanding that helps keep the simulation in perspective.

Just my two cents worth... What do others think?

I have been playing video games since back in the day of the VIC20, Amiga and before. I can only speak from my exposure to gaming and those who game around me, but I see no evidence that gaming is in anyway tied to an increase in violence on the part of younger players.

Gaming is becoming the interactive form of traditional movie entertainment. So called "experts" have been rambling on for years how movies and television are corrupting youth, but honestly I think that any person who may be compelled or swayed by a simple form of media is probably suffering from a mental issue that exists independent of any potential sources of influence. These people are prone to commit violent acts regardless of their exposure to media.