Reuters has a story today about an exhibit at London's Science Museum which examines the history of video games and the impact they have on society. Video games have turned into a $25 billion a year industry and the average gamer is 33 years old. The exhibit draws no conclusions, but points out that games can improve hand-eye coordination, which has helped gaming surgeons, while there are also video game rehabilitation programs springing up in Europe.

So what's the verdict? Are video games evil machines turning the youth of the world into shut-ins with a virtual life becoming a poor substitute for sunlight and real friends, or do video games train the mind (and body in some cases) for real-world tasks? I think the answer lies somewhere in the middle. As with most enjoyable things in life, moderation is the key. Video games, in moderation, can help in several ways: problem solving, hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking. Too much time spent playing games can lead to a disconnect from society, creating an alternate reality for the gamer.

Here's a depressing account of the toll too much time spent playing video games can take on a person's life. — Brian Ward

Go to story from Reuters

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