The number of Americans that are overweight is startling. As consumers, we must re-evaluate eating and exercise habits as well as how–and how much–we entertain ourselves. One of the major causes of obesity is based on personal experiences and circumstances, but more specifically–stress. Another has to do with genetics. Americans have been forced to cope [...]
Literature, Media & Entertainment
The Film Inception: Architects Designing a Game
Watching the much-talked-about Inception, I couldn’t help thinking about the overlap between the movie and level design, the aspect of game development involving the creation of in-game environments. I was not the only one. Reading this very interesting take on Inception from game development blogger Kirk Hamilton’s site, I was struck again by how the role [...]
Current Events, Politics & Economy
Are Violent Video Games Free Speech?
The Supreme Court is considering legislation barring minors from purchasing M-rated, so-called violent video games. What the California legislation being considered by the Supreme Court really gets at is the idea of legislating content that we might find objectionable – even if there is no material basis to do so on the behalf of the public good.
Literature, Media & Entertainment
“White And Male is the Default”: Homogeneity In the Video Game Industry pt. I
Film and game star, Vin Diesel The title of this article comes from a recent article by film journalist/raconteur Devin Faraci where he asks, “Why is Spider-Man White?”. The article questions the continued validity of so many white protagonists in genre fiction when the population becomes increasingly diverse. The same then, could be asked of [...]
Gender & Feminism
Platinum Games’ Bayonetta: Beyond the Generic Female
The simultaneously ridiculous and sublime Bayonetta unexpectedly hints at how publishers can create successful female characters. Sega/Platinum Games’ latest is a hit, with a recent filing announcing the success of Bayonetta, having 1.35 million units shifted since its release this January. During the game’s release window, Gamespot’s Leigh Alexander suggested that part of Bayonetta’s success could [...]
Culture & History
Comics: America as it Was-Part II
Every kid wants to make comic books, but not every kid grows up to STILL want to make them. Why? What largely occurs is a lack of mentorship in the comic industry, the art world, and our very culture that leaves many aspiring comic writers and artists twisting in the wind at over-priced colleges and [...]
Education & Family
More Research That Looks Into Video Games and Their Effects on People: Part Two
By Jennifer Schwartz In my first article looking into video games, I explored their negative effects. Keeping in mind that there are two sides to every argument, this article explores research showing the other side of video games. Research shows that video games allow participants to feel strong positive feelings about the self and that [...]
Education & Family
Video Games: Friend or Foe? Part 1
By Jennifer Schwartz The effect of video games has been a controversial issue for quite some time. Research has found that video games can distract and desensitize as well as lead to negative behavioral results including reduced self control. However, others believe that video games help development and provide positive feelings of self worth.
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