10 Biggest Mainstream Misconceptions About Video Games

5. It's For Kids

Back in the good old days of the Nintendo/SEGA wars, games were very much aimed at younger people. The bright colours, simpler game play and narrower scope naturally attracted kids right to them. There were isolated examples of more adult orientated titles (Mortal Kombat, anyone?) but by and large the cartoony characters and friendlier image lent gaming to be a young person's hobby. Not so any more. Since the first Playstation came along, games are being made to suit all ages, from little kids right up to adults. It's not just blood, gore and violence which developers are relying on either, games are more and more frequently dealing with adult issues such as depression, mental health, loss, love, life and death. More complicated issues don't necessarily make a game better, but when the story is told well and you feel an emotional bond with well written characters then it can transcend it's mechanics. Telltale's The Walking Dead games do this masterfully because for all that's violent and bloody at times, the story is the key thing. The way Lee and Clementine interact with each other and deal with their situations is the draw for the story, with the zombie apocalypse being the backdrop which is kept at bay until it's needed. Try getting a kid to appreciate the nuances of that story. In fact, don't, it may be considered bad parenting.