CONSCIOUS CHANGE; A PHILOSOPHICAL VIEW ON GAMES; A CALL FOR POSITIVE IMPACT. All media affects us, be it games, movies or the press. Whether good or bad, in large or small quantities, the impact is there.You don’t have to be an expert to figure this out, but since we are all so close to the subject of video games, we may be required to take a small step back in order to change our perspective. Ask questions like: What are the positive elements brought forth by this emergent media? What is fact, and what is fiction? Do we really understand what influence this new form of expression and activity has on us, or do we prefer to be dismissive and ignore it? The press often takes the easy route to sensationalize potential negatives, such as connection to crimes, but studies have also shown the reverse — Grand Theft Childhood. What is really going on? How can we tell what effect our games are causing on players and on society? Is there a way for us to learn and be informed about how a particular media affects us? On the other hand, what would be the impact of restraining and/or censoring new media? A great number of people use video games as an output for their emotions, as a source of solace and relaxation, or as a means for social interaction. Do we really want to deprive millions of players of their preferred outlet? Should we accept that it could be the only outlet? What about the finer aspects of the arts? Could we create games that make us think about ourselves and others differently? Should we create games based not on habituated recurrence but on the potential for positive change? Could we inspire a more thoughtful view of society that transcends materialism and narcissism? Finally, can games remind us about what life really is and help us be more conscious about the effects of the choices we make? Can YOU be a person who makes games like that? It’s indisputable that games ARE a force shaping the modern world, so what is our role in shaping games? It is my hope and desire that the Positive Impact SIG will continue to attract more developers and consumers interested in this discussion. Please join us on the Facebook “Positive Impact Games” Group
-Thomas J. Anderson The Positive Impact Games SIG’S aim is to encourage reflection, sharing and discussion among members of the gaming industry on ways to create and promote games that entertain while also having positive social aspects.