Some things just shouldn't be games...

Blog #1

I'm not a big fan of video games, but I've watched my brother play a fair amount when I was growing up. Since then video games have only become more violence. This American Army video game can be a good or bad invention. Good for those thinking about joining the army and want a better knowledge of what it is really like. And it can also be bad because joining the army should be a choice, not something you should be persuaded into.

The layout of the website is very well done. There are a lot of things going on on the front page but the black box at the top caught my eye. The message portrayed in the text catches my interest and makes me a little curious. The words "CLICK HERE to begin you adventure" really drew me in. The picture of the solider on the top right corner of the page makes me believe that the graphic of the game is very realistic.

The intended audience seems to be aimed towards older teens. The dark colors, realistic pictures attract an older audience, where as bright colors would be for a younger audience. I feel as though the text is also written in a more mature manner.

I don't feel as though this game deepens the ideology of war. Even before 9/11 there were plenty of war games that were just as graphic and almost as realistic. However, there is a big difference on how someone feels about joining the army and fighting for their country than how they feel about the war that is going on. This game effects the part about joining the army and not so much of the about the war. The only real problem that I have with this game is that it is made by the U.S. Army and it seems as though they have a second motive other than just creating a game as entertainment for kids.

This game in particular isn't any different from any other war/fighting oriented video game when it comes down to violence. It is probably as violent as any other game with a gun. Video games in general may promote violence and put ideas into kids minds but they can also be a way for kids to release their anger. By blowing things up virtually this may keep them from doing it in reality. It really all depends on the kid and their behavior. Certain games are rated mature for a reason. This is because they are more realistic game and made for teens who can tell the difference between what is real and what isn't.