The Truth About Video GamesFor as long as the video game industry has existed, people have been skeptical about video games and their effects on our society. People are so used to criticizing video games, saying that they only corrupt our families, ruin our social lives, and make us and our children more violent. People opposed to video games also argue that spending time reading books is a better and more beneficial alternative. But blindly asserting these things when there are so many benefits to playing video games is truly absurd. In the essay “Games” written by Steven Johnson, he talks about the multiple benefits of playing video games compared to reading books. Shigeru Miyamoto, a famous video game designer, once said in response to criticism: “Are video games bad for you? That's what they said about rock-n-roll. Video games are an important developmental tool for young people because they improve hand-eye coordination, teach problem-solving skills and strategy, relieve stress, and promote teamwork, things that are not often not generally found in reading books. Video games can be just as useful as reading books through statistics and studies, as well as the personal experiences of people who read or play video games, or both. We don't just limit ourselves to one or the other and benefit from the qualities of both. Video games can be just as helpful as reading books because they improve hand-eye coordination and also serve as a learning tool. Studies have shown that people, especially children, who have suffered from some sort of illness or stroke and play video games also have improved balance and coordination in many areas. many cases while playing video games. For example, a ...... middle of paper ...... skills course. »ScienceDaily. Accessed December 10, 2013, http://www.sciencedaily.com¬/releases/2007/02/070220012341.htm Public Library of Science (March 13, 2013). Video game “exercise” for an hour a day can improve certain cognitive skills. "ScienceDaily. Accessed December 10, 2013, http://www.sciencedaily.com¬/releases/2013/03/130313182142.htm Queen Mary, University of London (August 21, 2013). "Playing video games can stimulate brain power."ScienceDaily. Accessed December 10, 2013, http://www.sciencedaily.com¬/releases/2013/08/130821094924.htm Springer. “Video games don't make vulnerable teens more violent." ScienceDaily, August 26, 2013. Web. December 10, 2013. Insinna, “National Defense Industrial Association” (April 18, 2013). lists/posts/post.aspx?ID=1117