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Gaming, In My Opinion Monday 17th July, 2006, 14:56 GMT Recent findings are claiming playing video games can be beneficial to a young person's development thanks to a variety of new methods by which people can now play games. A panel of independent experts, including psychologists and media specialists, met with parents' representatives in Brussels to discuss the impact of video games on players of all ages, particularly those at the younger end of the market. The meeting, which took place on Thursday July 6, was host to a range of experts from universities and research institutions through Europe, who analysed both the positive and negative perceptions of the industry and the player community. Most were in favour of the positive arguments, referring to the growth of increasingly innovative approaches to a variety of fields, including education, and the treatment of behavioural problems, including attention deficit disorders. Though none of the participating panellists deemed playing video games to be an addictive pastime in itself, it was agreed there was a need for parents to be sufficiently educated as to the nature of games, and further, proper independent research. Patrice Chazerland, secretary general of the International Software Federation of Europe (ISFE), said: "In the light of such a thorough analysis of current issues and such a lively dialogue, we should not let this intellectual stimulation die out. ISFE will see to building upon this exchange and make it happen on a permanent or regular basis." published at Instock Magazine - here |