The Games People Play

I'm sure this subject has been thoroughly worked over by culture critics of every political persuasion, but I gotta ask, as an old fogey with no experience or expertise, what's up with gaming? Again, I am exploring this subject as someone who has never played a digital game in his life, no Pac-Man, no Kong, no Mario Bros, no nothing. And I'm no psychologist or neuro-biologist or doctor. But I am a grandfather and I already see signs of game addiction in my four year old grandson, with a two year old granddaughter not far behind. The tablet, loaded with numerous, simple games, has a magnetic, even magical draw. I'm not talking Grand Theft Auto or Doom (yet), just basic games where numerous little "attackers" have to be disposed of before they capture some prize. An elaborate point system allows you to make certain weapon selections so you explode or be-head or otherwise indispose these little icons. But the fascination for the four year old is total,there is complete immersion and concentration to the point he has entered this other world and beware anyone who disturbs it! He talks and thinks about the activity constantly, unless he is watching a movie or otherwise engaged with a screen. All other activities are only acceded to in order to buy screen time, to engage in combat, and win. Just a harmless, normal phase of child development? Apocalyptic brain washing? Digital kidnapping? There are whole cults of gamers in the headlines, raging misogynists, violent shooters, de-programming experts and support groups. Billion dollar industry, ideological apparatuses, strained eyeballs,jeez, are we having fun yet?