
A small but significant body of research has begun to emerge, mostly in the last five years, documenting these benefits. Considering these potential benefits is important, in part, because the nature of these games has changed dramatically in the last decade, becoming increasingly complex, diverse, realistic, and social in nature. We recognize the value of that research however, we argue that a more balanced perspective is needed, one that considers not only the possible negative effects but also the benefits of playing these games. The vast majority of research by psychologists on the effects of "gaming" has been on its negative impact: the potential harm related to violence, addiction, and depression. Video games are a ubiquitous part of almost all children's and adolescents' lives, with 97% playing for at least one hour per day in the United States.
