The connection between video games and violence is a debate that resurfaces time and time again, especially after tragic events involving young people. In 2025, a news story about a young girl’s tragic death reignited this long-standing conversation. The killer, reportedly enraged after losing a game of Fortnite, was said to have acted out of frustration from the game. The media latched onto this, and the narrative of violent video games influencing real-world violence gained traction once again. But as sensational as these stories might seem, research consistently shows there is no clear link between video games and violent behavior. In fact, some studies suggest that video games can even help teenagers navigate their emotions and anxiety.
The Myth of Video Games and Violence
Each year, the discussion about video games and their supposed link to violent acts reappears, often fueled by unfortunate events involving players. It’s a cycle that feels almost inevitable. In 2025, for example, after a tragic incident involving a young girl named Louise, Fortnite was blamed for influencing the 23-year-old suspect’s violent actions. Terms like “addiction” were thrown around, creating a fearful image of the impact video games have on young minds. But these claims don’t hold up when we look at the science.
In fact, research continuously disproves the notion that playing violent video games leads to violent behavior. One significant study from 2020, titled Growing Up with Grand Theft Auto: A 10-Year Study of Violent Video Game Play in Adolescents, tracked a group of 500 teenagers over ten years. The study, published in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, found no significant increase in aggression among those who played games like Grand Theft Auto. Interestingly, some participants even used video games as a way to manage their anxiety. This aligns with older research too—such as a 1994 study by Joel Saxe from the University of Massachusetts, which found that players of the notorious Mortal Kombat showed no increase in aggression, despite the game’s violent content. These findings suggest that the link between video games and violence is more myth than reality.
Persistent Myths and Media Hype
Despite a growing body of evidence to the contrary, the myth of violent video games remains persistent. The recurring media debates often ignore the nuanced reality of video game use, contributing to a moral panic about the so-called dangers of gaming. As psychologists Granic, Lobel, and Engels pointed out in 2013, psychological research on the effects of video games has historically focused on their negative impact, particularly on issues like aggression, addiction, and depression. Unfortunately, the media tends to amplify these concerns, often focusing on isolated incidents without considering the broader context.
Bruno Berthier, a clinical psychologist, highlights how the way information is presented shapes public perception. He points out that when a violent act is linked to a player’s habit of playing video games, the media tends to focus solely on the gaming aspect. This narrow focus creates a misleading picture for an audience that might not be familiar with the medium. Berthier has witnessed how these misconceptions affect families, with parents often worried about their children’s gaming habits. He believes that part of the problem lies in a lack of understanding about video games and their role in young people’s lives.
Video Games as a Therapeutic Tool
In fact, video games are not just a source of entertainment—they can also be used as powerful therapeutic tools. Despite the persistent idea that gaming is a problem, some therapists are discovering that games can help young people cope with their emotions and anxiety. Bruno Berthier, who has been practicing since 2005, is one of those psychologists who has embraced video games in his therapeutic approach. As a player himself, Berthier understands the value of connecting with his patients through a shared interest in games. He uses gaming as a way to build rapport with young people, helping them express emotions and address deeper issues.
Berthier is particularly interested in games that foster communication and cooperation, such as Portal 2 and Unravel Two, which he considers excellent for therapeutic settings. During one session, he invited a young patient to play Portal 2, a cooperative puzzle game. When the patient struggled with frustration in the game, Berthier encouraged him to vocalize his emotions and work through the feeling of helplessness. Eventually, the patient found a new approach to the puzzle, and Berthier was able to draw parallels between the challenges in the game and similar struggles in the patient’s real life, such as difficulties at school.
This therapeutic use of video games helps patients explore their emotions in a non-threatening way, making it easier for them to open up about more difficult topics. In Berthier’s practice, video games act as a bridge between the virtual world and real-life challenges, helping adolescents confront their feelings and communicate more effectively.
Changing Public Perception
Despite the scientific evidence and growing acceptance of video games as a tool for personal growth, societal attitudes are slow to change. Bruno Berthier remains optimistic about the future, noting that younger generations, who grew up with video games, are likely to have a different perspective on the medium. “I’m a child of the 70s and 80s, and today, 90-95% of children from the 2000s play video games,” he says. As these young people become parents, their understanding of video games will likely be much more informed and accepting.
In the end, video games may not be the cause of violent behavior, but they can offer meaningful opportunities for emotional growth, social interaction, and even therapeutic healing. As we move forward, it’s important to question the entrenched myths about gaming and recognize the potential benefits these games can have for young people navigating a complex world.
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Jason R. Parker is a curious and creative writer who excels at turning complex topics into simple, practical advice to improve everyday life. With extensive experience in writing lifestyle tips, he helps readers navigate daily challenges, from time management to mental health. He believes that every day is a new opportunity to learn and grow.
