Relying on stereotypes and broad generalizations obscures those issues by reducing video gaming to a kind of uniform, monolithic hobby. Video games vary wildly from one title to the next and fulfill so many functions beyond mere idle amusement. Calling the medium of video games addictive is, as he said, like saying alcoholism is caused by bottles, not what’s in it. Online games are just a single mega-genre within the medium of video games, but no such distinction appears in the piece. But perhaps when it comes to video games, his time could be better spent giving video games the same kind of care and attention he has devoted to his past work.

Source: Washington Post January 27, 2021 19:56 UTC