Video games have had an overall positive impact on society.

I affirm that the existence and introduction of video games to the world was overall a good thing.

Video game - an electronic game played by means of images on a video screen and often emphasizing fast action (http://www.merriam-webster.com...)

Contention 1: Video games encourage learning and activity.
All video games require you to excersize your mind. Some video games, such as Wii Fit, Wii Sports, and other Wii games require physical activity. (http://en.wikipedia.org...) Many video games use math as a key component to its structure, and as such, the people who play them end up better at math than before. (http://en.wikipedia.org...)

Contention 2: Video games lead to new technology.
Video game companies are always looking for new technologies to give themselves a competetive edge in the gaming industry. This technology is then replicated outside of video games. Graphic cards used for video games are used to give more accurate MRI scans, X-rays, and seismic graphs.

Contention 3: Video games are used for practical purposes.
Many people use video games for physical therapy. (http://www.uspharmd.com...) Computer simulations are used for war training in a less costly, less deadly manner. (http://www.wired.com...)

I await my opponent's counters and conentions of his own.

I believe that video games have had a direct negative impact on our society.

First of all, video games have taken the replacement of outdoor activities. Yes, I do understand that there is physical labor in the playing of video games, but outdoor exercise has a more positive effect. Studies show that fresh air stimulates the brain and increases attention, so you can learn better in class. It also regulates your blood pressure.

Second of all, video games are very addictive. We can't just look at the physical side of video games. Video games also affect our studies in school. I have met many people that are so addicted to video games that they have been doing bad in class, and I'm pretty sure many other have, too. Video games are like drugs: they can, in a way, control your mind.

Human beings were not made to be trapped at home and be immersed in games that do not benefit our future in any way. I am an atheist, yes, but I still believe that human beings have a part in the world, and "video games" are not helping that fact.

Alright, I would appreciate it if you would try to counter the points that I have made.

"First of all, video games have taken the replacement of outdoor activities. Yes, I do understand that there is physical labor in the playing of video games, but outdoor exercise has a more positive effect. Studies show that fresh air stimulates the brain and increases attention, so you can learn better in class. It also regulates your blood pressure."
Actually, it would be more accurate to say that video games tend to replace watching TV more than they do outdoor activities.

"Second of all, video games are very addictive. We can't just look at the physical side of video games. Video games also affect our studies in school. I have met many people that are so addicted to video games that they have been doing bad in class, and I'm pretty sure many other have, too. Video games are like drugs: they can, in a way, control your mind."
Well, of course video games are addictive, and some people do become obsessed. However, I don't think that this bad side can really weigh down all of the positive things that I have listed. Video games can also be educational, however; I have played Zoombinis, and it has improved my math and logic skills. I've also played The Cluefinders, and some more other random educational video games.

"Human beings were not made to be trapped at home and be immersed in games that do not benefit our future in any way. I am an atheist, yes, but I still believe that human beings have a part in the world, and 'video games' are not helping that fact."
On the contrary, video games only trap the minds of the weak-minded, which contributed to natural selection in a way. Video games have had many positive effects that cannot be ignored.

I am going to introduce a new contention:
Contention 4: Video games increase dexterity for those who play them.
http://blog.peterkupfer.net...
http://discovermagazine.com...
Video games have been proven to help surgeons be more accurate in their surgeries.
http://www.upi.com...
That means that less people have died of surgical errors because of video games. Try telling the people who would otherwise be dead that video games have had a bad impact on society.

One more contention, actually:
Contention 5: Video games create jobs.
http://www.nintendo.com...

Thank you for your time.

All arguments extended.

I'm sorry that my opponent hasn't been able to give a solid argument at all.