While politicians and moral crusaders have done their best to criticize videogames and preach about their perceived ill effects, Sesame Street (by way of the Joan Glanz Clooney Center at Sesame Workshop) approves of their existence, and sees games as a force for good in the world.
“Despite their reputation as promoters of violence and mayhem, digital games have in fact been shown to help children gain content and vital foundational and 21st century skills,” explains the center’s Game Changer report. “We know enough about digital games and how they work to recognize their promise. Now we need to invest time and resources to turn this promise into a real ‘game changer’ for America’s children.”
The report focuses on various elements of videogames that have value in the development of children, discussing the educational value they have, the potential to develop problem-solving skills, creativity and systems thinking.
It’s a shame that those who rail against videogame don’t try and do something to enhance the game industry’s positive aspects, rather than simply focus on the perceived negative aspects. That never really helps anybody or anything. Still, we now officially live in a world where Big Bird is making more sense than Jack Thompson, so that’s something.
