Violent Games Can Boost Teamwork

Joe Willis - The Northern Echo

Playing violent video games can have a positive affect on young people, a study claims.

Research by a North-East student found that games such as the controversial new release Grand Theft Auto IV can help to improve teamwork and co-ordination skills.

Studies have shown that children who play violent video games can suffer behavioural problems. Researchers have also found that exposure to violent video games can desensitise individuals to real- life violence.

However, Chris Whitehead, a final-year psychology student at the University of Sunderland, says that playing violent games can be beneficial.

He said: "A lot of research has shown a link between aggression and video games.

"However, these studies always took children and exposed them to violent video games intended for adults.

"With the release of Grand Theft Auto IV, I am sure we will see a surge in controversy around the subject, but I would argue that the main cause of this link is due to parents ignoring ratings and allowing their children to play games not suitable for them."

The student claims that when age restrictions are correctly adhered to, games can have a positive impact.

He said: "Games such as Halo, Call of Duty and even Grand Theft Auto have the potential to become a powerful learning tool.

"My research found that these games help develop skills such as teamwork, spacial and co-ordination skills.

"Team objective-based games require a lot of communication between players to allow them to complete objectives, and playing such games can improve these skills and potentially help develop leadership styles."

The research conducted by the South Shields student won a university competition for final year psychology projects.

Mr Whitehead graduates in the summer and is hoping to find a job as an industry occupational psychologist.

Grand Theft Auto IV sold six million copies globally in its first week on sale.

Internet service providers say a record numbers of users have been playing the game online against others gamers.

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