Not to over simplify the argument in any way, but I think that there are two main reasons why videogames are looked down upon. One, is that they're mostly entertainment - fun - which is not in and of itself anything detrimental from a societal standpoint - just look at sports - but two, and more importantly, they're interactive and as such have a certain barrier to entry, i.e., ANYONE can sit and watch TV, a movie, a play, a sporting event, whatever, but NOT everyone can sit and play a game and understand all that it entails (the nuances underneath the superficial exterior). The less something is understood, the more it can be misunderstood. Certainly something like a videogame, that looks like a purely physical activity centered around having fun can seem frivolous, when, if you REALLY play some of these games, you can see how they can involve higher brain functions, be it needing to develop a strategy, solve puzzles, coordinate hand functions, etc. The sad part is it probably is a superior way to learn things (fun, visual, interactive, etc.), but is underutilized because of the stigmas associated with it.

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Bill Loguidice, Managing Director | Armchair Arcade, Inc.
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