Understanding How the Media Depict Computer Games: A Content Analysis of the U.S. Game Coverage

While there is a growing concern over excessive game playing as a new social psychological phenomenon, some scholars have blamed the media for exaggerating the harmfulness of game playing and creating fear of game ad- diction without sufficient scientific evidence. Against this backdrop, this study analyzes the U.S. press coverage of computer games between 2011 and 2013 mainly in terms of primary themes and overall frames. The findings of the con- tent analysis shows that the U.S. press does not sufficiently address the possible costs, risks, or negative consequences that excessive game playing may cause while overtly emphasizing the economic benefits and consequences of the game industry. In short, the game coverage represents industry perspectives more strongly than consumers' perspectives and their welfare.