Press pause: Experts, gamers caution vs blaming video games

June 28, 2026 - 19:41

A leading psychiatrist from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital has weighed in on the long-running debate over video games and violence, stating that there is still no proven causal link between virtual mayhem and real-world aggression. The statement comes amid renewed public scrutiny following recent high-profile incidents where gaming was quickly cited as a potential factor.

Dr. Rene Samaniego, a consultant at UP-PGH, emphasized that while certain games feature graphic content, the leap from playing a violent game to committing a violent act is not supported by solid evidence. He pointed out that millions of people play such games daily without engaging in harmful behavior. "We need to look at the whole picture," he said. "Blaming a single hobby oversimplifies complex social and psychological issues."

The gaming community has also pushed back against the reflex to scapegoat their pastime. Longtime gamer and esports coach Mark Villanueva noted that the same arguments have been recycled for decades, from arcade cabinets to modern consoles. "It distracts from real problems like mental health support, bullying, and access to weapons," he said. "Games can actually be a healthy outlet for stress."

Experts urge a more nuanced approach, focusing on individual risk factors rather than blanket condemnation of an entire medium. As the conversation continues, the call to "press pause" on hasty judgments grows louder.