I think there ARE some serious psychological issues we need to evaluate when it comes to games like COD. I only found this article because I am worried about someone I love and their reactions to this game and I am looking for answers. I'll just call him Bob

I love games and myself have founded myself addicted to Tetris & Sonic 2 but I don't believe there is a serious problem there. These games are simply fun interactive puzzles. I agree that addictions to TV, music, & books only seem to have minor effects like a waning social life and expanding waistline.

The big difference and problem I see with games like COD is the normalizing of very realistic violence combined with participation. Personally I don't feel like WWII should be a 'fun' escape for anyone. Just read Sledge's first hand account, With The Old Breed, and you'll see what I mean. It's educational, not fun. Not somewhere I want to go to every weekend on my couch. Violent movies can be terrible but can also be educational and open your eyes to events of the past. When Bob plays COD he is not gaining a better appreciation or understanding of the sacrifices made by our older generations, but merely trivializing the terror they experienced.

The most serious problem however, is certain things I've heard Bob say since his COD gaming. . .a new fascination with guns and death. I know there has to be some other deep psychological problems beneath this but trust me. . .COD is NOT helping. For people like Bob this is not a healthy escape. The sad thing is. . .he only started playing because his friends were and he wanted to join the crowd. I just wish the crowd was playing Mr. Driller instead and my house wasn't filled with the sounds of automatic weapons, and dying thumping hearts.