20 – The Gamer Stereotype: Fact or Fiction

Concern about the potential impact of digital games on its players is as old as video games themselves. Once digital games expanded beyond the university labs where they were first developed, the attention they garnered from researchers and the press began to reflect a fear of this emerging media. Despite video games’ 40+ year history, the world of video games is seen as a treacherous place by many. This training will provide participants with a better understanding of the influence that digital games can have on players to better combat this panic with scientific rigor by providing attendees with a basic understanding of the scope of influence that digital games can have on players. By the end of the training, participants will have the tools to more effectively engage with their clients and the public discourse about video game effects.