Group 5


 * hey, group. found a funny picture LOL :

History of Video Games
The first interactive "video" games were so basic in nature, they hardly resembled anything like today's games of PS3s and Xbox 360s. Video games started out simple and required the enormous computers of the past to run them. As technology improved and various ideas from multiple people converged, the foundation for today's high-tech video game was laid.



1952 - First documented computer game, Noughts and Crosses, is created by A. S. Douglas for his doctoral dissertation. A big Cambridge computer runs this tic-tac-toe game.

1958- The first American, engineer William A. Higginbotham, created an interactive computer game called Tennis for Two. It was located at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York, for entertaining guests.

1962- Steven Russell from MIT created a game that runs on a massive PDP-1 computer, called Spacewar!.

1968- Ralph H. Baer created a "Television Gaming and Training Apparatus." He applied a patent for it and in 1973 is granted. Company Magnavox buys patent.

1971- The first coin operated arcade game, created by Nolan Bushnell, is called Computer Space. It was placed in bars and the game was found to be too hard. Computer Space was deemed a failure.

1972- Nolan Bushnell created a more successful arcade game Pong.

1972- The first home game console Odyssey has arrived, created by Ralph Baer of Magnavox.

1975- The first home version of Pong is created by Atari (company). Pong becomes a big success. Consequently, Atari expands into both the arcade and home console business, and becomes very successful.

1976- The first controversy with video game violence occurs. Arcade game Death Race is under the spot light.

1980- The combined effort of American company, Midway, and Japan's Namco introduces Pac-Man. Pac-Man is a huge success

1981- The first video game related death occurs. A late teen suffers a heart attack from playing game Berzerk. Next year, another teen suffers a heart attack playing the same game.

1980s-1990s - The advancement of home computers and additional home consoles creates a huge venue for video games. Video games are now an impactful part of society.

Terry

General Issues of Video Games
There are various social aspects of video games:

The Good



Video games can provide a great medium for entertainment and stress relief. When games are played and mastered, they can be a boost to a person's self-confidence and self-esteem, especially children and teens, during their periods of social depression. Also, studies have shown that video games improve one's hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Parents and seniors can also use video games as a fun way to bond with their kids. The most positive aspect of video games, with recent innovations in online gaming, means teamwork, cooperation and problem-solving skills are highly utilized.

The Bad



One of the most negative aspects of video games argued is violence. Critics argue that the violence in video games (e.g. fighting, shooting games) can lead to an increased aggression of its players. Though, because of conflicting studies, definite conclusions cannot be made. However, video game addiction is definite. Many players, especially children and teen, can become addicted to video games. Addicted players develop introverted tendencies, and neglect schoolwork, family and physical activities. Other issues within video games are gender and racial stereotypes. Argues have been made that women in video games are generally represented in a sexist way, being portrayed by unrealistic, oversexed characteristics. Racial stereotypes are also criticized. There are arguments made that white characters often are portrayed as heroes, while the majority of the time, non-white characters are villains.

Terry

Our Issue
The issues of video games listed above are subjective, as shown by the titles "Good" and "Bad". Many people may or may not agree with the points of view presented above. Consequently, our issue of video games was chosen based on its neutrality; death relating to video games. We will discuss only case studies where video games are the clear and definite reason for or cause of death (e.g. body failure and exhaustion from playing video games for a prolonged period of time).



Terry