Media = Agression?

An interesting article explores the issues around the reports and studies on violent media and the supposed links to agression.
Just recently the very stressful Tetris was commended for its ability to allow traumatised victims to regain confidence and remain calm.

clipped from www.whattheyplay.com How the research into violent media is carried out, and what conclusions are being drawn By Christian Barnes-Young, February 20th, 2009 Pages: 1·2·next » Christian Barnes-Young is an avid gamer and clinical consultant for the Continuum of Care, a South Carolina state agency that serves children with severe emotional disturbance. He is also a licensed professional counselor—intern and adjunct instructor for the American Public University System. Christian earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Coastal Carolina University and a master’s of science degree in clinical psychology from Francis Marion University.

The EU endorses Gaming!

Follow the link for Gamespot’s full article. Lets keep that pro-gaming evidence and studies coming.

clipped from uk.gamespot.com European parliament report states “games can be used for educational purposes and contribute to the development of knowledge and various skills crucial in the 21st century.” A report to be published by the European Parliament on video games looks likely to heavily promote the positive sides of gaming, according to a draft seen by GameSpot. The report also calls for the investigation of improved parental controls on consoles via a “red button,” and tightened regulation of the sale to children of games intended for adults. The draft calls for an EU-wide resolution that: “Emphasises that video games are a great stimulant which in addition to entertainment can also be used for educational purposes; takes the view that schools should pay attention to video games and informing children and parents about benefits and disadvantages that video games can have.”

Disaster Report PSP bring Co-Op to to PSP

Four wat co-operation can be hand with this game. The demo is available in the Japanese Store.l

clipped from playstation.joystiq.com Like most upcoming games in Japan, Zettai Zetsumei Toshi 3 (Disaster Report PSP) is coming equipped with an ad hoc multiplayer mode. The latest trailer for the survival game (found after the break) reveals that a maximum of four players can band together to brave a host of natural calamities. The video also shows a good chunk of the single-player gameplay, which involves a lot of crawling, busting down doors and pulling people out of wreckage. You can try it out for yourself in the demo that’s currently available on the Japanese PlayStation Store.

WWII brought to the PSP via Commander

Strategy games give a great insight into the mindset of the Military Commanders at the time. Can you do any better than the Commanders from History? Do you have any anxiety over sending pixels to their deaths?

clipped from playstation.joystiq.com PSP and DS will soon be home to a brand new turn-based strategy game from Koch Media. Military History Commander – Europe at War is the first in a “new series of games.” Set in a World War II, players can choose to play as either the Axis or the Allied forces. From the looks of things, this will be a rather standard grid-based strategy affair, with visuals akin to the Advance Wars series of games. Six scenarios are planned for the handhelds, including Operation Barbarossa and D-Day. Players will also be able to create 50 different inventions and recruit famous historical commanders throughout the game. The in-game artwork is done by Osprey Publishing. For now, the game has been announced for release in Europe only. We’ll have to wait and see if it sees the light of day in the States as well. Gallery: Military History Commander – Europe at War