#GamingBytes: Ban on PUBG is unwarranted. Here is why
PUBG is an intense tactical Battle Royale and the mobile version enjoys immense popularity in Indian and Asian markets. However, in recent times, there has been an attack on PUBG Mobile in India, and the latest comes from an 11-year-old boy who is attempting to get Bombay High Court to ban it for promoting violence, aggression and cyberbullying. However, we feel it is unwarranted.
Cyberbullying is a problem, but does not warrant a ban
Cyberbullying definitely is a problem in PUBG Mobile. While players are waiting in the lobby before the match or flying on the battle plane, there are a lot of abuses thrown around. Some abuses and insults target particular communities, hurting caste and religious sentiments. However, instead of banning the entire game, it is possible to introduce chat filters, and block players who are cyberbullies.
The game channels aggression, does not promote it
PUBG does require a lot of aggression, especially if you want to win the chicken dinner. However, we believe the game does not promote aggression. It gives it an outlet. Think of PUBG as the wall you punch when you are angry, instead of punching a person! Killing enemies online is a better outlet for aggression than getting into fights in real life.
If PUBG promotes violence, so do films and other shows
Promotion of violence is an incredibly serious charge. It is also incredibly baseless. If the violence in the game promotes it in real life, so do most action-oriented Bollywood movies. We would have to ban most of the Khans from making films! We believe PUBG helps channelize our violent instincts into the game, rather than allowing a more dangerous outburst in real life.
Studies by experts show games channelize instead of promoting violence
Jim Hawdon, a PhD in sociology conducted a study showing first-person shooter gamers were less prone to violence than people frequenting social media sites. Another study by Christopher Ferguson, a psychology professor, showed there was no true correlation between violence in games and that in real life. In fact, he concluded people might stay in, channelizing violence into games than committing violence in reality.
PUBG might not promote violence and aggression, but promotes nihilism
While PUBG might not promote violence and aggression directly, it promotes nihilism. Nihilism is defined as the destruction of or desire to destroy all structures that allow normal functioning of humans within society. A Battle Royale format forces players to become nihilists, trying to survive.
PUBG has some positive effects that are overlooked
PUBG's pros far outweigh the cons, according to this writer. Duos and squads often have you teaming up with gamers from other countries, not only encouraging teamwork but also leading to interactions. Firefights and enemy engagements in PUBG help gamers develop faster reflexes and teach them how to deal with stressful situations. These are all qualities that can help PUBG gamers in real life.
Armies use video games to improve soldiers' reflexes
You might not believe us when we say video games improve reflexes. However, armies, too, use video games to the same extent. Recently we reported that the Indian Air Force was coming out with a game to encourage potential fighter pilots, and test their reflexes in battle. The US army also encourages soldiers to play first-person shooters like Call of Duty for honing reflexes.
