6. They're Murder Simulators
When people make such a statement about video games, it is clear it stems from a simple misunderstanding of what they are and why we play them. When someone ignorant about how video games work walks into a room and sees you gunning down man after man in rapid succession, all they see is a virtual killing machine. They dont know that playing them involves pattern recognition, split second decision making, memorization, cooperation, competition, and a narrative that can be quite engaging. Ironically, all these are widely acknowledged as being positive means of development. However, again, those ignorant about video games dont even know that such aspects even exist. They look at what we know is actually a complicated design system and see a simple one. Killing in video games is part of the obstacle placed in front of the gamer as a means of further obstructing their goal. Yes, technically video games can allow the player to take part in a simulated act of murder, but rarely are they the point in themselves, and if they are it is usually to serve a greater point. Very few games are simple murder simulators, and to claim otherwise is merely a symptom of ignorance. We cant necessarily fault them with this, as video games are a foreign form of entertainment to these people. What we can do is educate them when such accusations are made, and if they refuse to take you seriously, simply give them the same treatment. Arguing with the openly ignorant is a fool's errand.