My name is Ted Stahl and I am a parent who enjoys videogames.
It’s hard to say what the draw is in videogames. In part, it is the fascination with the interactive nature of the medium – the ability for one to be able to control what he/she sees on the screen. On another level, it is the pleasure derived from overcoming a challenge. And still more, there is a sense of appreciation of the artistic expression of the videogame – visually, audibly, and interactively. Whether it be the TRS-80 version of Temple of Aphsai with its “chunkalicious” graphics, or Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (complete with its 8-CD soundtrack), this medium has grown into a truly artistic narrative form thanks to the evolution of the powerful hardware through which it is experienced.
As a musician, as a graphic artist, and as a multimedia author I appreciate videogames on multiple levels.
For my bachelor’s degree I double-majored in English and Communication. I was fascinated with how we create meaning in our lives through stories and how we, subsequently, convey these experiences to others. As I pursued my Research Masters in Communication, I focused in on how we as a society have evolved the narrative form in videogames themselves. This was the subject of my thesis which is available here for those who have the interest and patience.
During my work on the thesis and continuing after I began to research videogames at a whole different level. I found myself trying to better understand the evolutionary points and who helped advance the technology. It was during this point that I was offered the position of editor of the videogames portion of The History of Computing Project. I was also invited to join a friend’s documentary project which allowed me to speak with dozens of industry pioneers like Ralph Baer, Don Bluth, and Howard Scott Warshaw. It was through these ongoing discussions that it became apparent that the videogame as a medium had incredible cultural impact which has evolved as drastically as the technology upon which the games themselves are played.
As a lifelong student of communication, I have used my art to express myself to others and I have found wonderful learning experiences in so many places. The virtual worlds authored in videogames provide opportunities for experiences which enable a level of interaction and co-authoring unavailable in any other medium. It is this potential that inspires both wonder and concern. Recognizing the potential of these experiences is crucial to judge what is appropriate for one’s family.
Role-playing is an important form of learning at many different developmental stages. However, certain scenarios are inappropriate for younger children. But helping our families to navigate the appropriate entertainment choices is not limited to videogames. The same can be said about television, film, books, graphic novels, and music. As parents it is our responsibility to help our children develop a better understanding of the world. In order to accomplish this, we need to introduce certain elements and concepts at the right times.
What Chris and I hope to do with this site is to help fellow parents identify what the questions are and what possible answers are available. At that point, we hope that you all make your own informed decisions. We will always offer advice, but it is your call as to what you believe is best for your family.