German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for a more critical debate about the risks of video games, warning about addiction, extremist content and depictions of violence.
Speaking during his first visit to Gamescom in Cologne, Steinmeier said the growing importance of gaming meant its negative aspects also needed to be discussed “objectively, honestly and in a nuanced manner.”
He noted that gaming disorder is recognized as an illness by the World Health Organization and can have serious consequences for those affected.
“There are also some computer games in which young people are confronted with brutality and raw violence, with sexism, racism, with inhumane thinking and extremist ideologies,” Steinmeier said.
The president said clearer rules were needed to prevent the glorification of violence and the spread of extremist and anti-democratic content in video and computer games.
That was particularly important, he said, “at a time when our democracy is also under greater threat and attack.”
Despite the warning, Steinmeier stressed that he viewed gaming positively overall.
He also highlighted the wider economic importance of gaming technology, saying it was used in sectors including medicine, architecture and vehicle design.
“We want your industry here in Germany, we want it to be economically strong,” he said.
Gamescom began on Wednesday and runs until Sunday. More than 350,000 visitors are expected.