Millions are hooked to IPL version 5 – this year it has been more entertaining with more matches going down the wire.  For those who frown at Cricket and say there are other games, read this post. Or if you are interested in the milder, enjoyable Cricket, Read : CSK beat RR at Rajasthan. 

Perhaps when you leave for Office, the smart advice you give your kid is not to go out and play in the hot sun, say ‘no to cricket’ – be at home and play in the shades.  And for that the easiest entertainment is ‘playing games on Computers’ – most kids are hooked to Computer for long hours and do not make any attempt at physical activity.  Whilst this already has some disadvantages and adds more obese kids, have you ever tried to find out what keeps your children attracted and how much those games impact their mind. 

Modern day kids are no longer interested in simple Video / Computer games – it is no longer simple graphics and game play of moving the character and finding out hidden treasures or the like.  In one way, the intelligent Game makers do Shareware marketing, whereby a limited or demonstration version of the full game is released and addicted to the attraction, people buy the original version having more levels, graphics, and players.   There are some games which would allow you a free download of some hours (usually 60 minutes) – beyond which one will have to register the code by buying or installing with original CD.

Now more than the cost involved, the trouble is with the violence that has become commonly associated with video gaming in general. The debate surrounds the influence of objectionable content on the social development of minors.  You will be startled or would find it too hard to digest that there are many games where it is hurt, injury and blood that is made as game – either shooting birds, characters or humans, killing and spilling of blood in a gory manner.  There are reports of most controversial game of all time to be 'reborn' - Carmageddon, where drivers are rewarded for running over pedestrians. Carmageddon II: Carpocalypse Now is the sequel to the graphically violent vehicular combat computer game Carmageddon, released in  1998. The game was developed by Stainless Games and published by Sales Curve Interactive. It has been released for both PC and Macintosh.  Carmageddon was the first of a series of graphically violent vehicular combat video games, inspired by the 1975 cult classic movie Death Race 2000.  In what is named as game, the player races a vehicle against a number of other computer controlled competitors in various settings, including city, mine and industrial areas. The player has a certain amount of time to complete each race, but more time may be gained by collecting bonuses, damaging the competitors' cars, or by running over pedestrians. Races are completed by either completing the course as one would a normal racing game, "wasting" (wrecking) all other race cars, or killing all pedestrians on the level.  So the game is all about drivers  rewarded for killing innocent pedestrians.  It was a game which was refused a certificate by BBFC in 1997

The  'hero' is a grinning maniac behind the wheel of a supercar - and 'winning' means killing as many pedestrians as possible.  Daily Mail reports of a  Kickstarter 'crowd sourced' funding page  being launched, seeking funds for a sequel to the game, 'It is violence that sells.'  It reports that the  project has already secured $160,000 in funding.  The original game deliberately courted controversy with 'bonuses' including one entitled 'Drugs', which turned the screen psychedelic colours.  They court controversies to ensure that the game sells more.  

Carmageddon is not alone, there are various other violent promoting games – it is time you have maximum parental control and ensure that the mind of your kid is not spoilt.  After gaming should be fun and enjoyable and nothing away from it.  

Armageddon (from Hebrew) mythologically is the site of a battle during the end times, variously interpreted as either a literal or symbolic location. The term is also used in a generic sense to refer to any end of the world scenario.  It is also the name of  a 1998 American disaster film, directed by Michael Bay, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and released by Disney'sTouchstone Pictures. The film follows a group of blue-collar deep-core drillers sent by NASA to stop a gigantic asteroid on a collision course with Earth.

With regards – S. Sampathkumar