How Video Games Helped Me Quit Smoking

In somewhat recent years, there was a campaign of anti-smoking commercials from BecomeAnEx.org, and I loved them. It was the first time I felt like someone really discovered the secret to quitting smoking, and offered it from a sympathetic perspective, with a sense of humor and a sincere desire to help smokers.

I have seen many commercials against smoking over the years. Somehave tried fighting cigarettes by unveiling statistics about smoking and its industry, with this self-righteous "look how clever we are" approach that is rather alienating. It's like being told to quit smoking by someone who is more invested in their marketing pitch than the problem at hand.

And then there have been the deluge of "scare tactic" commercials that show you blackened lungs and people living with tracheotomies. While I think these commercials hold some worth, they are more likely to give a smoker pause, rather than actually helping them to quit. Our selective memory kicks in, and kicks out the bad ones.

The aforementioned campaign, however, nailed the essence of the smoking problem in a few brief moments. It pointed out that smoking is strongly connected to habitual behavior; you smoke with your morning cup of coffee, during your morning routine, or during happy hour at the bar. These commercials suggested that you can relearn all of these activities without a cigarette. The one about happy hour even suggested you "keep a beer in one hand and anything but a cigarette in the other". That is smart advice.

Physical addiction of nicotine is nothing when compared to the mental addiction of smoking. This is why wearing a patch doesn't instantly fix the problem; a smoker still wants to hold and smoke a cigarette. Mental addiction is king. I was quite lucky; I gradually gave up smoking simply because I was not enjoying it anymore, and that made it far easier to walk away. But some of that habitual smoking through association was still rearing its ugly head. Getting rid of those last few lines of defense can be the hardest.

When you quit cigarettes (or are in the process of doing so), you may notice certain new habits taking over temporarily. Once of them is the famous one: eating. And other ones pop up, like chewing the caps from pens (until they are completely unrecognizable). However, one activity that interfered with my smoking was entirely by chance, and yet so effective at keeping my mind and body off of smoking, it should be recommended in support groups: playing video games.

It is probably arguable that the total sensory experience of playing a video game contributes in distracting the player from other activities like smoking (or socializing... kidding!), but I believe that the controller is the key. Keeping both hands fully occupied and working hastily makes you forget about holding a cigarette.

And why not? People tend to smoke the most when they are unoccupied, bored and feeling lazy. People smoke on their breaks. People smoke at their laptops and during a football game on television. It's down time, time to drink a beer, have a smoke and watch a movie!

Video games are down time too, but don't allow for a half-hearted relationship with them. I remember when I would play games like Halo 3 online, discussing strategies with friends and controlling my Spartan Soldier. I was way too engaged with the game to smoke (or use the bathroom, for that matter!). In fact, when I would light up a cigarette between matches, I would take my first puff and put it down, as we would already be back in the firefight. By the time I reached for my cigarette again, nothing remained save a long log of ash, burning away in the ashtray. That's a powerful moment to note; I had made my choice. That wouldn't be the last cigarette I ever had. But it wouldn't be the last time I ignored them in favor of playing video games, either.

Playing video games is not a magical solution, and there are a lot of variables when quitting smoking, so your mileage may vary. I already wanted to quit smoking, but video games helped by running interference, and it helped to keep me occupied once I quit smoking entirely.

Around this time, I was spending a good deal of my gaming time with portable systems, like the DS Lite and the PSP (the best part is when you easily justify your PSP purchase, based on the amount of cigarettes you're not buying). When I would return from work and settle down for the evening, I would lie on my back in bed playing games. That worked great for me, as I was in even less of a position to reach for a cigarette, and even more relaxed than normal. That said, I think a stronger case could be made for taking your portable on the go, as it's intended for. Now you're waiting for the subway or sitting during your lunch break at work, and you're working on your game, with no free hands or time to smoke. Try reading the newspaper instead, or worse, just standing or sitting there. Smoking will become a lot more tempting.

I can't stress the importance enough of video games occupying your hands. While Freud would likely tell us smoking is an oral fixation (see: eating, chewing pen caps), we hold a cigarette in our hands; it is part of the appeal. So, when our hands are busy, we are less likely to be holding a cigarette. Playing a game engages the upper half of your body arguably more than driving a car does. When driving, you have one free hand to smoke with. Also, most people drive the same roads ad nauseam, and it largely becomes a mindless activity, second nature even. In contrast, video games frequently change things up, producing new challenges and garnering your full attention just to master (and even survive) them.

And they're fun! Video games cause your brain to release endorphins, much like smoking, but as a result of genuinely enjoying yourself, rather than the intake of chemicals.

Like I said before, video games are not magical, and they are not going to suppress all the addictive urges your body and mind will produce, as you try and quit. Nothing will. When quitting smoking, it's all about help, and what the best crutches are. Video games are a wonderful substitution, and for every cigarette you refuse, that's a little more money in your pocket, money to buy that next awesome game. Personally, I want to live longer and play a lot more games, so it's a win-win situation. If you're quitting or thinking about quitting, or even if you aren't considering it at all, next time you reach for that pack of smokes, try putting both your hands on that video game controller instead.

Thanks for reading!

To read more of my reviews, news and day-to-day thoughts on video games, please visit my website:
http://www.sunshinehydra.com/

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Marketing Video Games - Get Help To Maximize Your Revenues

As an indie manufacturer of video games, you will have a great time using your creativity. However, you'll find it quite difficult to earn money out of your passion because the market for these games is quite saturated. Besides, it is quite difficult to compete against large production houses that have immense budgets at their disposal for marketing video games. You'll need to find a solution to this problem or else you will find it very difficult to stay in business.

The most popular way of marketing video games is to go through an agent. Agents generally have lots of contacts with game portals and will work towards ensuring that your games are featured there. A new development in the industry is the insistence of many game portals of only dealing with agents and not with games developers. You do have to pay money to the agent in lieu of his or her services but the results are generally worth it because you won't have to worry about earning revenues.

An important aspect of marketing video games is building interest for them on the internet through websites and blogs. You'll need to work on search engine optimization in order to ensure that the game is highly visible on the internet. You'll also need to advertise your product in sites where your target market will see them. Marketing is not always an easy job, especially if you prefer to focus on the production aspect of your business. In fact, you probably will miss out on business opportunities if you decide to handle marketing on your own.

It is sometimes a good idea to tie up with companies that take on the entire responsibility of marketing the video game for you. These companies generally offer you comprehensive marketing services on a profit share basis. If you feel that you can handle certain markets on your own but require help for certain types of portals or entire geographic areas then you can opt for limited assistance. Some of these companies will also offer you training and consultancy for a fee so that you can handle marketing on your own.

As you can see, there are many marketing options available to your video game production house. You will be able to choose one that suits your needs the best. Your revenues will get maximized and you will have plenty of time to develop a great many more games.

Get help for marketing video games so that you earn plenty of revenue for your business. You'll then be able to expand your business further.

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Diving Into Video Keyboards With the Logitech G19

While there have been many changes to gaming keyboards in recent years, the Logitech G19 has upped the ante by including a full-color tilting LCD display. Following the popularity and success of the G15v1 and G15v2 releases, the Logitech G19 has some big shoes to fill as it intended to be the premiere gaming keyboard in the Logitech G line up.

By adding a full color LCD to the keyboard, the Logitech G19 claims you can view a variety of information and even watch videos without having to minimize your game window. They also claim superior responsiveness when pressing multiple keys and the 12 included macro keys will allow quicker response times and better gaming performance. I decided to put this keyboard through its paces and see how it compared to its predecessors and its competition.

One of the first things that I noticed about the Logitech G19 was that it required an AC adapter to power the LCD Display and dual USB 2.0 ports. After a quick installation of drivers, it was time to test out the LCD display. There is a variety of plug-ins available for the Logitech G19 offering features such as a clock, system performance stats and YouTube or local video playback. While I suppose these things could be useful to kill time or check RAM and processor usage, I was not entirely sure they justified the price of the keyboard.

I decided to fire up World of Warcraft and see what the keyboard had to offer. Having the ability to plug my USB headset into the keyboard gave me more room to move around and the built-in hub on the Logitech G19 seemed to have no problem keeping up with both the headset and any keyboard inputs. Anytime anyone talked on Ventrilo, his or her name appeared in the LCD screen. When no one was talking, a simple stat display showed up for my character. While these details were nice, I found myself using the media player integration on the Logitech G19 most often.

While the keys on the Logitech G19 felt a little soft, they were very responsive. The adjustable backlighting on the keyboard was bright and, after a little tweaking, I found a color I preferred. I have seen brighter backlights, they are by no means dim. The standard parts of the Logitech G19 are of average size. I had no troubles with hitting the wrong keys due to spacing or key arrangement. The media controls were responsive and the macro keys were easy to set and page through for using common spells and commands. I did find myself wishing I could switch the macro keys to the right side of the keyboard however. It would have been easier to release the mouse and hit the macro keys than remove my hands from my movement keys.

The Logitech G19 certainly offers extended functions for MMO and FPS games, however most of that utility lies in the macro keys. While the LCD display is certainly flashy and cool, the people who will get the most benefit from it are people that like to play movies or music while gaming. While the Logitech G19 comes with an increased price tag, it offers increased functionality that no other keyboards currently can touch.

Don't think this gaming keyboard fits your style?

Take a look at this Logitech G11 if you are unsure.

That gaming keyboard is comparable to this Logitech G19 keyboard and it might be the one you like.

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Learning About Video Game Company Logos

A logo is a graphic representation that visually creates a brand identity and reflects the credibility of a company. It is oftentimes considered as a significant marketing tool through which consumers are able to make an impression of the business. In the realm of video gaming, numerous companies have definitely put their marks on the minds of the people over the years through the help of their respective logos - each of which is distinctive from the other.

Let us name some of these video game company logos that have notably been catching the attention of consumers:

Atari

Originally designed by George Opperman, the Atari symbol appears elegant with the use of a stylized letter 'A' that was later labeled as the Atari 'Fuji,' resembling the shape of the Japanese mountain. It has been the accepted and used symbol of the corporation founded in 1972 by Nolan Bushnell. It was representing one of the first arcade games to be launched ever, Pong, signifying two opposing players battling across the Pong court in the middle. It has become an iconic symbol and a ceaseless signification of Atari's mode of gaming. Also, the stylized 'A' is connoted by few as a race track. There are some who considered it as a picture of a rocket taking off or even believed as three converging roads. Some of the notable games that Atari has famously made include Pac-Man, Hangman, Backgammon, and others.

Capcom

Another prominent Japanese video game developer and publisher is Capcom Co., Ltd. Founded on June 11, 1983, it created multi-million-selling series such as Street Fighter, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, and the popular Resident Evil. Its name was actually derived from the term "Capsule Computer," bounded by two concepts: "a container packed to the brim with fun" and "a desire to create securely packaged entertainment to decrease the rapid expansion of pirated materials." The bearing logo uses the Art Noveau style-inspired font Korinna Extra Bold, highlighted with the vibrant blue and yellow colors, and has been one of the most iconic logotypes in gaming.

Konami

Started as a jukebox rental and repair business, Konami Corporation was established in 1969, with its label combined using the names of the business leaders and founders. Konami, meaning 'small waves,' was the Japanese developer behind the popular series such as Yu-Gi-Oh!, Silent Hill, Contra, Metal Gear, Super Cobra, and Castlevania. The famous symbol highlights two swooshing lines that are strongly depict progressive motion, strengthened by the fierce red schematic colors. It has gone through changes also from its old typography to its newest design introduced last 2003. The latest corporate brand expresses the company's legacy on creativity and innovation throughout its existence. It was emphasized even more by the cardinal red color signifying its corporate attitude.

Nintendo

This is very familiar with almost everybody. Who will not remember one of the most renowned video games 'Super Mario'? It is one of the highly popular games developed and published by Nintendo, a Japan-based multinational company founded on September 23, 1889 by Fusajiro Yamuschi. The initial video game company logo of Nintendo was in red color, which is still used by some franchisers. The gray version was adopted in 2006. It contains primarily of the more recognizable and bold typeface name of the company, enclosed by a capsule-like outline that made it very easy to remember. Though artless, Nintendo's emblem basically signifies power, longevity, and prominence in the gaming industry. Sublogos are also introduced, including Nintendo 64, which seem to be more colorful and intended for the young ones. Despite the emergence of these renewed graphic mark versions, the original design was still used widely for the fact that it solely symbolizes the real stance of the business.

Sega

Established in 1940, Sega Corporation has also been one of the highly acclaimed developer and manufacturer of video and arcade games. Since 1991, Sonic the Hedgehog has been the flagship mascot, competing with Mario, Nintendo's mascot. The emblem stands to be simple yet artistic in its unique way as it is characterized by curvy and futuristic letters in blue color, drawn and outlined with white lines. Some of the series introduced by Sega were Street of Rage, Sonic the Hedgehog, Dragon Force, and Jurassic Park.

Ubisoft

Video and computer gaming in Europe has literally been enhanced through the emergence of a French game publisher and developer Ubisoft Entertainment. Founded in 1986 by the Guillemot brothers, it is now considered as one of the largest interactive entertainment publishers all throughout the globe. The first symbol adopted by the firm was inspired by a rainbow figure. Though effective, it was replaced with a more dynamic visual identity recently. It features a series of coiling loops that creates a creative aura and a sense of belongingness. Its blue color schemes produce a cool and tranquil environment for gamers. Generally, the new insignia intends to develop its consumer-focused business approach and is believed to be a mere representation of the company's utmost beliefs.

The above companies are only few of the many that have already established an undisputable and recognizable identity in the world of arcade and gaming. Basically, there are factors that bind these video game company logos. It is the fact that all of them are all simple yet identifiable - two things that you must consider in creating an emblem for your own firm. Though simple, symbols must still be creative in such a way that it can grab the consumers' attention in a snap. Most importantly, the design must at all times represent you and the values of your business.

Darwin Palmer believes that a creative mind can make something out of nothing. He has over 20 years of professional experience in the logo and web design industry.

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How To Get a Job As A Video Game Tester

In all of my years of professional experience, probably the one job I get asked most about is my time as a Video Game Tester for SEGA of America. I spent several years with SEGA, and people, especially children, are always fascinated by the opportunity to make good money by doing what they love, namely playing games! Here is some advice for those looking to obtain one of these highly-desired positions.

For those looking to get a foot in the door of the Video Game Industry in any capacity, there is no more tried and truer method than the Video Game Tester position. This job brings you into the fold of the development world where you can see how the games are made, make vital contacts, and get critical game company experience on your resume. I cannot tell you how many people I have worked with who used this entry-level opening to springboard into positions in programming, game production, design, marketing, etc. Plus, there are worse ways to make anywhere from $10-15 dollars an hour (starting pay) than playing games for a living!

First of all, you need to be in a geographically feasible location to get one of these positions. Quite simply, there are not a lot of major cities in the United States that have a hotbed of gaming development. Fortunately, I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where we have numerous development firms and testing opportunities with major players such as SEGA, Electronic Arts, Sony of America, Namco, and more. Seattle, Washington is another prime location as companies such as Microsoft call it home. So if you truly want to get a shot, you'll have to consider relocation.

One of the most compelling arguments against making such a move is that the great majority of companies hire Tester candidates as temporary employees. If you live in a city with a game company that employs testers, you will want to contact the HR Manager to see what firm they use for their temporary staffing needs. They can generally direct you to the people who screen the initial crop of candidates, then present them directly to the company. Due to the seasonal aspect of the industry, there can be times of great need where firms will hire boatloads of people, and slower times, when they have to let a number of people go, when there is not enough work to keep folks busy. As any experienced game contractor knows, your position is never guaranteed. Perm spots are hard to attain, but it can happen. The key is being able to demonstrate your value to the company, and sadly enough, playing the social game can also be a critical factor. As a temporary employee, the uncertain stability of your job is probably the most frustrating aspect of the position. Still in most cases, companies seem to be astute at identifying the must-have talent and keeping them in the fold.

Once you have connected with a recruiting firm and been submitted directly to the gaming company, its time to prepare for the interview. One of the most important things that Test Managers look for in a new hire are effective written communication skills. As the job revolves around finding and documenting bugs, or errors, in the game, the ability to concisely relay that information to the programmers so that can fix them is vital. So expect going in that you will be taking some kind of writing test. An eye for detail is also important. If you are the type of person that notices little things, or things that seem out of place, it definitely helps. Also, remember that while most game companies are very casual in nature, it is important to dress professionally and convey your sincere desire to have an opportunity. As you can imagine, there is a multitude of people who would like to have this type of position, so anything you can do to stand out from the pack helps. One of the nice things about interviewing for game companies is that you generally receive very quick turnaround on feedback, and in some instances can be hired almost immediately.

Working in the Video Game Industry is definitely a unique and enjoyable experience. There are many perks you will not find in normal companies. Do keep in mind though, that while the job is all games, it is not always fun. Like any position, there are monotonous aspects to it. For example, be prepared to test the same game over and over, for up to a few months at a time. That can be challenging. Also, expect going in that you may be assigned mind-numbing tasks from day-to-day such as checking that all weapons or items work as they are supposed, all walls in each level are solid, or even just proofreading game text. Finally, be prepared to work long hours as needed. When crunch time hits, and a game needs to ship, overtime can be required to get the game out the door. Still, overall, there are few positions where you can have as much fun on a day-to-day basis.

For more information about AAU basketball and sport-specific training visit Star Potential Sports Training.

Anthony Lynch is the founder and creator of Star Potential Sports Training ( http://www.starpotentialsports.com/ ). He is also the head coach of the Tri-City Thunder Basketball Program, based in Fremont, CA.

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Children Simply Love Video Game Education

Video game education is known as the fun way of educating your child in the modern age. The whole point of it is to teach your child with the help of a video activity. The goal is for the child to enjoy what he is doing, but still learn the necessary skills it has to offer.

Children's games are often less complicated. The video game design in Adult online simulations tend to focus on teaching multiple principles and skills while children's ones focus on one skill at a time. Some games are designed to elevate a child's reading skills, while others help a child advance in math.

These games can be played on a number of different devices. Some are played on computers, some games are bought at the store and others are played online. You also have a choice of playing them on hand held devices. The most popular games are played on devices like the Nintendo WI and the Xbox.

The latest trend now days are hand held devices designed to teach children how to read. The games are in the form of books that children can read along with, and touch the screen to hear the spoken words. Some of the games even teach children aspects of math and science.

There are and endless amount of games on the internet and they teach children all kinds of skills. Some games teach them basic computer skills while others offer in depth teaching on more specific topics. There are games that even teach kids building skills, planning skills and even how to run a city.

These games should be viewed as an added advantage to schools. Children can come home and go over a lesson they learnt at school. If the child is studying reading, they can play a reading activity on the computer, this helps the child learn more and reinforces what he already learnt at school. Children learn by repetition, so what better tool to teach them than a computer activity that repeats itself, by the child simply pressing, start. Game development schools are also coming up for this purpose.

These games can be used in addition to the school curriculum. Game design training is something that teachers should be sent for and game design education should be introduced across the board.It has been said that some children learn better from these types of games rather than from the teacher talking them through lessons. While traditional teaching should remain the fundamental part of teaching, innovative teaching like computer games should be incorporated as part of the learning process. Children who who excel in these games should be rewarded, this will simply encourage the child to continue playing and learning.

Teachers are recognizing the benefits of entertainment software and the advantages it brings to the teaching world. These games can be so much more than just that. It is also a priceless educational tool that has no limits. This is something that is inevitable as technology remains a trade mark of the twenty first century.

Video game education is taking teaching to a new level and those who embrace it, will reap the benefits there of. This is the new trend in educating children and also business environments. Programs for video game design are available online.

Looking to capitalize on your creative gifts? Learn from industry professionals in Game education Toronto and take your first step towards an exciting new career.

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How Come Video Games Are More Profitable Than Hollywood Movies?

Video games come with a distinctive appeal that draws legions of followings. Proving its dominant drawing power, global video game purchases reached a staggering 500 million in 2010. The industry continues to serve one of most lucrative markets with gamers collectively spending 3 billion hours each week playing the said platform.

Investigative findings by The Association of Psychological Science reveal that gaming in general is considered as the ideal platform for players to take on the characteristics of their "ideal self." Video games offer gamers the opportunity to play an ideal role or virtually adopt a new identity, bringing about feelings of enjoyment of the massively social and interactive gaming experience and satisfaction at each victory.

A Formidable Industry

In 2008, the video game industry - covering all video games in all video formats - made more money than all Blu-ray and DVD movie releases combined in terms of product sales. Video game sales were at $32 billion, up by 20 per cent from 2007. Hollywood film sales dropped six per cent, fixed at only $29 billion.

A case in point is Grand Theft Auto IV, which became a jaw-dropping success when it broke two entertainment industry records, hauling the biggest sales on a single-day and seven-day basis since its release on April 29, 2008. GTA IV sold 3.6 million copies or $310 million in equivalent sales within the first 24 hours of its availability. On the first week, the sales figures subsequently skyrocketed to over six million units or an equivalent of $500 million.

The GTA IV first-week earnings are comparable to giant movie releases. In a report by Reuters, the British-produced video game has outperformed Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince from Warner Bros., which raked in $394 million during its opening week in 2009. GTA IV also beat blockbuster Spider-Man 3 from Sony and Buena Vista's Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, which earned $382 million and $344 million, respectively, when they opened in cinemas in 2007.

On December 12, 2011, Modern Warfare 3 officially de-throned the number one movie of all time - Avatar, as the fastest entertainment media to reach the $1 billion mark. The former got its first billion dollar earnings 16 days after it was released while the latter for 17 days.

Exemplifying robust international business marketing techniques, video games have also amassed earnings from its European market, decisively pulling the limelight away from the movie industry. Regarded as "the most valuable purchased entertainment market," video game sales are four times more than cinema earnings, also trumping music and DVD sales combined.

Shedding light on the phenomenal video game following, UK paper The Guardian notes how video gaming pushes itself to the mainstream consciousness by stimulating the consumer's intelligence, appealing to their imagination and improving constancy in player involvement - something that Hollywood may not be very successful at.

A Glimpse of the Future

Industry research firm Gartner, Inc. has estimated that in 2011, global spending on the gaming ecosystem will reach over $74 billion, showing an increase of 10.4 per cent from $67 billion in 2010. Key transitions to gaming technology, business and software strategies are predicted to last beyond 2015, and by then, spending will jump to a whopping $112 billion.

The gaming ecosystem covers gaming console manufacturers Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft; software for platforms or game consoles like PlayStation 2 and 3, Wii and Xbox 360; portable consoles Nintendo DS and DSi, Game Boy Advance, and Sony PSP; PC or notebook software; mobile gaming, as well as online and social gaming.

Discussing gaming business and software strategies in general, marketing firm Zebra Partners representative Perrin Kaplan tells Gaming Business Review that gamers will tend to respond to new products, irrespective of how they are being packaged - console, PC, handheld or Internet. With new games mushrooming on various forms of media, the challenge for vendors in the video game industry is to adapt to what insatiable gamers want: to be continuously surprised and interested by a new type of fun and new technology that come with video gaming.

International business marketing, when paired properly with first-rate business and software strategies, can be a great tool for enterprise success. It has the capability to bridge gaps between an organization and its clients.

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Most Anticipated New Video Games of 2012

2012 is finally here and that means one thing; new video games. 2012 has a multitude of amazing games that will be coming out, just in the first quarter alone. A lot of this is due to delays of games that were meant for the fall, but that's OK because it's an ease on all of our pockets! But there are a lot of great titles coming out that any gamer will want to keep an eye out for.

Of the closer releases, the biggest one, hands down, is Mass Effect 3. The last in the trilogy sci-fi epic, it'll be released March 6th of this year. The game brings Shepard and his (or her) crew to Earth to fight in a final battle with the Reapers who are planning on harvesting humans and otherwise wiping them and other whole galaxies out. As in the last, the game will allow carrying over of saves so that players can continue as their Shepard, where their decisions affect the final outcome of the game. It's been confirmed there will be the return of a lot of beloved characters from past games as well as a tweaked battle system and even multiplayer.

Resident Evil: Operation Racoon City is another major contender for the spring, coming out March 20th. Single player will have players take the role of an Umbrella Security Service member, though multiplayer will give wider options, letting players be the USS, US Special Operations, or even zombies themselves. The game is going to let players make major decisions in single player mode, including the possibility of killing off main character from past Resident Evil games.

Other games coming out with no confirmed release dates as of yet are Silent Hill: Downpour, Diablo 3, Bioshock: Infinite, and Starcraft II: Heart of the Swarm. All of these upcoming video games are the most talked about titles for 2012. Notice how all of them are franchise sequels and not unique IPS, which means the gaming world really loves sticking to what they know and their fandom. And there's certainly nothing wrong with that. A few of these games have been waited on for years (Diablo 3, for example) and so there's a lot of pressure on them to be the kind of product people are expecting.

It's bound to be a very exciting year for new video games in general. You might want to set your budget now because there are going to be a lot of must have titles before we even hit the summer!

One More Level is a member of the AJ Blog Network, a Mecca of blog sites that provided fresh blog content on a daily basis. Check out more posts from One More Level and a series of other fantastic blog sites at http://www.ajblognetwork.com/

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The Real Effects Of Shooting Games And Other Violent Video Games

Violent-laden video games, which include those that belong to the ego-shooter or first-person shooter genre - are always under close scrutiny by parents and advocacy groups who are worried about the ill-effects of such games on growing kids and teenagers. Majority of the researches and studies about this phenomenon indicate the need for us to focus more on the personality of the player instead on the general content of these video games.

Ego-Shooters and other Shooting Games and Violent Traits

There is no reason to worry that your kid would turn into a sociopath or a serial killer when he or she gets hooked on video games, particularly those with extremely violent and gory content. However, psychologists suggest that parents be on their toes and observe any palpable changes in their kid's behavior, and if they become impulsive, moody and anti-social, then they may have to take necessary action and reduce the time spent by their kids playing their favorite shooting game.

The psychological impact of video games is a complex issue, and there are simply a lot of misconceptions and confusion about the real effects of video games with violent themes on the psychological and mental disposition of growing kids and teenagers. We cannot simply label an ego shooting or first person shooting game as either good or bad. There are several variables that need to be taken into account when assessing the real impact of such violent-laden games on the personality and behavior of an individual. For instance, a person with a specific disposition may exhibit ill-effects when playing this type of games.

Hostile Tendencies of Video Game Addicts

A team of psychologists recently noted a slight increase in the hostile tendencies of their study group and such hostile tendencies were linked to specific personality traits. The experiment showed that video players who tend to manifest hostile behavior were those who have abnormally high levels of neuroticism and excessively low levels of conscientiousness and agreeableness. The research divided the participants into 2 groups - one group played video games with violent theme and the other group played games with non-violent theme.

According to the proponents of the research, the hostile tendencies are largely influenced by the level of competition of the game and not by its violent content. Irrespective of the theme of the game, highly competitive games tend to trigger aggressive responses from the players.

Video gaming has continually grown by leaps and bounds. Some sectors are raising the red flag and insisting on the potential link between aggression and the level of violent content of games. However, there are also studies that disprove this claim. Amid these conflicting positions, parents and advocacy groups should be more vigilant in monitoring and guiding kids about the potential ill-effects of video games with extremely violent content.

Check out the wide array of Shooting Games that your kids can play and find out what makes Online Games a safe medium of entertainment and a tool in promoting a healthy level of competitiveness of growing kids and young teenagers.

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