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Despite the arguments of some, the connection between video game violence and agression seems tenuous. Still, it's hard not to hope that state officials err on the side of caution and stick to handing out Pac-Man to prisoners rather than Manhunt:
"Kodi Dodgin used to be one of the Oregon prison system's most prolific troublemakers. Now he's only causing problems in space.
"Prison records show seven incidents in which Dodgin was sent to disciplinary segregation. But now, Dodgin says, he's been free of trouble for almost two years, thanks in part to the video games he gets to play at the Two Rivers Correctional Institution in Umatilla, where the 23-year-old is serving nine years for assault, attempted escape and other crimes.
"Dodgin said nothing takes his mind off prison like the intergalactic war game Star Ally.
"'You get all these weapons and you've got to beat the four boss men,' Dodgin said. 'You kill your enemies. They let off these bubbles sometimes. You collect their bubbles, and you get all these weapons.'
"The $35 video game consoles, pre-loaded with 50 games, are being offered as an incentive for good behavior. Prisoners earn the right to buy one after 18 months of good behavior.
"'It's a hot item,' said Randy Geer, administrator of the Department of Corrections' non-cash incentives program. 'Inmates want one, and it appears to be motivating them.'"
Link via DoL.
