In a press release plugging his new book, Video Game Play and Addiction: A Guide for Parents, Chicago-based Dr. Kourosh Dini states, "Games have lots of benefits, which unfortunately, parents aren't always aware of when the only games they're exposed to are the controversial violent ones targeted to more mature players.
"Age appropriate multiplayer videogames can allow children to learn how other people think--a key aspect of empathy. Games can also help a child become more comfortable with new and ever-progressing technology."
Dr. Dini, apparently a "long-time gamer," points out that the American Medical Association has yet to classify videogame "addiction" as a mental illness, despite detractors who spread fear of uncontrollable game-fiending. However, Dr. Dini admits, "To be sure, there are those who play problematically."
It's not a new practice for experts in certain fields to explore or recognize the benefits of videogames. For example, in 2008, The University of Central Florida College of Medicine received a $200K grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to examine how games can be designed to prevent substance abuse relapses.
In 2006, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation launched a five-year $50 million Digital and Media Learning initiative.