No Link Between Video Game & Real Life Violence

With the recent release of GTA IV, many anti gaming groups have been on their high horses again about the link between video game and real world violence, but new research from Essex University seems to dispell this rumour.

TIGA a national trade association which represents game developers in the UK and Europe said today that research produced by Patrick Kierkegaard of the University of Essex, showed that there is little evidence to suggest that video games are anything but harmless, and was an important contribution to the debate on video games and violence.

Richard Wilson, CEO of Tiga, said:
“Kierkegaard’s argument that there is no obvious link between real-world violence statistics and video games is an important contribution to the debate on video games and violence. Too often video games are blamed for all manner of society’s ills. Kierkegaard’s research helps to redress the balance. No single piece of research will settle the issue concerning the influence of video games conclusively. The crucial points are that children and young people should be protected from viewing inappropriate content, while adult gamers should typically be free to play mature games.”