Posted by And Why Video Games Matter
By Trey Nitza, Staff Writer
To say that there is a stigma against video games today would be an understatement. The idea of video games being linked to violence and even mass shootings has been prevalent not only these last few years, but dates all the way back to the 1970’s, leading to the Mortal Kombat congressional hearings. A democratic senator led these hearings that were responding to controversy from parents over constant bloodshed and beheadings in the game series. This led to the development of a ratings system still used and required today. This perceived link between video games and violence represents a more general prejudice of video games that a lot of people share. There’s also a highly restrictive view of what a “gamer” is, which contributes to the stereotypes associated with “gaming” and “gaming-culture.” How easy is it to picture the stereotypical gamer being an overweight white man in his mid-thirties, living in his mom’s basement, screaming at his monitor? I feel that this cliche is unfair to the wide variety of people who consider themselves gamers or that just have a casual interest in games. Because of how widespread this archetype for “gamers” is, many people only think of gaming as an unhealthy and isolating hobby that their kid or sibling has picked up.
This is why I chose to interview these three teachers.
My primary goal was to show some diversity of gaming experiences and how those experiences can help people connect and make relationships with others. So I think sharing their stories and experiences can give a good insight into the positive side of video games.
Coach Tegeler
“If I’m with my baseball team, and we start walking about Fortnite, even if they tease me a little bit, it creates a stronger bond.”
Favorite Game: Fortnite
“I think it’s the greatest video game ever created,” said Coach Tegeler, when asked about Fortnite, as he sat at his desk in the Wellness Center. My follow up question was obviously “Why Fortnite?” to which he answered immediately that he simply loves the competition.
“Getting older, I don’t get to show off that side of me as much.”
I learned that he grew up with Atari, Nintendo and other classic gaming systems his whole life and has always had experience with video games. However, despite being a Call of Duty player, he judged Fortnite and its fanbase. Though, it’s pretty safe to say that he was hooked the first time he played Fortnite. He started playing online with other coaches during the first year of Covid, as their way of staying connected. It soon became his primary game of choice. He explained how Fortnite helps him to connect with his students.
“If I’m with my baseball team, and we start walking about Fortnite, even if they tease me a little bit, it creates a stronger bond.”
Mrs. Fredericks
“As a history teacher, seeing the storylines that integrate a lot of events and stories from actual history is obviously pretty interesting and engaging to me.”
Favorite game: The Assassin’s Creed series
Mrs. Fredericks grew up with the SEGA console, the Nintendo 64, and eventually the Xbox. She vividly remembers playing the Sega Genesis Aladdin game, and how her mom would step in to help when she got stuck on levels. She was always open to new games and decided to try out Assassin’s Creed once- instantly she was hooked.
“As a history teacher, seeing the storylines that integrate a lot of events and stories from actual history is obviously pretty interesting and engaging to me.”
She explained that she didn’t have any reservations herself going in, but she made some restrictions for her kid’s gaming experience.
“I don’t have any problem with trying new games out myself, but I have to draw the line when my kids come in.”
She explained that she simply lets them play games that don’t involve violence or blood. This is a very fair and pretty standard rule that could solve a lot of parent’s skepticism towards video games. Now, she plays the Mario games with her kids as a way to bond. She also aims to do this with her students the same way.
“I like to mention things like the fact that I play video games to all my students, because it creates a way to connect in a new way.”
Mr. Esposito
“It was a really informal way of getting together and it didn’t have any sort of purpose, but I think that’s where the best experiences and deepest conversations come from. It wasn’t even about the games.”
Favorite game: The Legend of Zelda games and Super Smash Brothers
Mr. Esposito grew up as a Nintendo kid, playing video games with his friends on Skype. Later in college, he witnessed how video games were how people gathered and made friends with each other.
“It was a really informal way of getting together and it didn’t have any sort of purpose, but I think that’s where the best experiences and deepest conversations come from. It wasn’t even about the games.”
Mr. Esposito was always fascinated in how the games were actually made. He even made his own games on Adobe Flash Player for his friends to play and try out in middle school. He still believes that the problem solving that came with doing this was a big part of his development.
“Ironically, after all that experience with Adobe Flash, I became a teacher. I also like to cook. I think all of it just stems from the desire to create memorable experiences for people.”
One of the last things he talked to me about was how after all these years, when all of his middle school friends have moved to different states and have different jobs, they still get on Discord calls together to play games online, even if he’s a spectator some of the time.
“That’s our way of staying connected.”
On my public story on Snapchat a couple of weeks ago, I posted three polls shown below.
These broadened my own view a lot. This tells me that even people who have never bought a video game, console, or even play any sort of online game themselves, or people that don’t consider themselves a gamer, still have some experience with them involving others. Whether it’s beating a boss at a friend’s house, your parents showing you their old Atari, or just completing a level on Candy Crush on someone else’s phone. I think that’s pretty interesting.
Video games are constantly evolving. Technological innovations and breakthroughs are being introduced every year, and the industry is yet to peak economically. But I think the core of gaming has always stayed the same: it’s a way to connect with others. Yes, it’s probably best known as a solo hobby, but what these polls, and these interviews with these teachers have shown me is that video game’s power to help people bond is unmatched. I don’t think any other art form has succeeded so well at this, while simultaneously being one of the biggest entertainment industries today. So my main goal with this article was to broaden people’s view of what video games can be, and just share some interesting stories about them. I hope I did that.
The Maroon 