Video Games as Entertainment

I often find myself defending the value of videogames.  We werent allowed to have game systems in my home growing up, so I didnt get to play much then, and Im pretty busy now between work and my many side projects, so I am by no means a hardcore gamer.  I do, however, enjoy video games, and have always viewed them as a perfectly suitable form of entertainment.

As with most new forms of entertainment, video games get a terrible rap.  I can still hear my mother only half jokingly explaining that they would "turn your brains to mush".  Video Games are often touted as the downfall of todays youth.  However, Id be so bold as to suggest that not only are video games suitable for entertaining minors and adults alike, they should be preferred over TV and movies.  Why?

Videogames require interaction - thought, and problem solving.  It may not be math, but it is true problem solving in its finest form - such that kids dont even realize they are doing it.  Problem solving isnt limited to puzzle games like Tetris  either - in any game, a child (or adult) will quickly learn to adapt to the control system, recognize his objective, and how to go about obtaining it.

With the recent release of games including Halo 3 and COD 4, online multiplayer has taken center stage in the video game world.  Having played both of these games I can say that I couldnt be more excited that our kids are spending time in these arenas.  As the level of competition in these games increases, the necessity of critical thought and snap decisions becomes necessity.  In a game like halo 3, its never as simple as point and shoot.  Elevation, trajectory, weapon choice, opponents weapon choice, health level, and objectives all come into play as each player fights towards victory.  If any element is left out, the player loses - immediate consequence for his lack of foresight.