IntroductionFor over 30 years, video games have been a popular activity among many American children. With more than $63 billion (Reuters, Reuters.com) sold each year, video games are here to stay. Although there is much controversy surrounding the topic, video games have greatly benefited the United States of America and its citizens. For example, the military and the CIA use video games to train soldiers (Davidson, www.ehow.com), and classrooms use video games to teach students. The potential is endless. Some studies show that using video games improves certain mental functions. However, when exposed to violent video games, some people develop antisocial and aggressive behavior. In order to understand the potential benefits and dangers of video games and make informed purchasing decisions, it is important to consider the history of video games, their military uses, their educational value, and their effects on the brain.HistoryIn 1986 , the video game industry was in dismal bankruptcy, with a total value of $100 million. Then Nintendo, initially a trading card company, released the Nintendo Entertainment System, reviving the video game industry after its near death. With hits like “Super Mario Brothers” and “Adventure Island,” sales soared, preventing video games from being just a passing fad. Technological advancements and innovative ideas such as glasses-free 3D, Kinect body tracking, and augmented reality are helping to make the gaming industry one of the largest industries on the planet. These technologies are currently used by institutions such as NASA, the military, the public school system, and the CIA, in addition to being simple entertaining hobbies. Video game technology is visible and integrated...... middle of paper ...... games can desensitize a person to violence, many video games can be a fun and even educational experience. Used to train soldiers and proven to stimulate the brain, video games have a reputation for being one of the first sources of entertainment that people turn to and benefit the player at the same time. Video games must be recognized as an educational and healthy experience, and not as an antisocial experience that can harm the minds of our young people! Studies have proven that many video games can help players in several ways: stimulating the brain, educating and involving children in big projects would be some examples. Even though some video games are harmful to the mind, players can gain the knowledge to avoid such games. While violent games can desensitize a player to violence, video games are the most effective way to convey information to a naturally captive audience..