This paper examines how, like television, video games have been seen to have negative
effects on the players - mostly children.
It asks how do violent games effect children's behavior; and is there any effect from autonomous play verses cooperative play. Gender issues are also analyzed showing differing levels of
violence between boys and girls. The paper provides a general background and history of the development of video games. Commentary on the outcome of these
effects are also discussed, primarily the rating system introduced in the early 1990s.