By Ericka Lemus
Many students play video games for dozens of hours per week. In some cases game play can affect GPA.
Some of the most popular action video games on the market include: “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “Destiny: The Taken King,” “Call of Duty: Black Ops III” and “Fallout 4.”
According to the Entertainment Software Association, which tracks data for industry leaders, 155 million Americans play video games. Players aged 18 to 35 make up the largest percentage.
More than 70 percent of college students reported being avid video game players, according to a 2013 study from Walsh University with lead researcher Jordan Weaver.
Students are playing for a few reasons: entertainment, to relieve stress and to interact with others.
“I play video games for fun,” CSN student David Niecikowski said. “I do play it as a way to relieve stress although sometimes the games I play cause stress and frustration. It all depends on the type of game.”
Although gaming is fun, it can have negative results on school performance.
“There was a distinct and significant difference in the reported GPA’s between high-usage video game players and low-usage video game players,” according to the study from Walsh University. “This is very important findings as it relates to the college-age demographic.”
Jon Whitney, CSN student who plays video games approximately 15 hours a week, said, “I know it can affect some people in school. I know some people who have dropped out of college because of ‘World of Warcraft’.”
Although Niecikowski plays three to four hours a day he does not let that affect his academic performance. He states that he has a 4.0 GPA and wishes to maintain that.
Current CSN student Braeden Nichols said he plays social video games because it’s a great way to connect with friends and meet new people.
“Video games do affect my school work,” Nichols said. “I have mainly been playing ‘Rainbow Six Siege’ and sometimes have decided not to sleep and continue playing.”
Coyote Student News at the College of Southern Nevada 