Long-term effect on aggression is not known. Questions have been raised about early exposure to violent video games. More often games do not offer action that requires independent thought or creativity. Games can confuse reality and fantasy. In violent games, players must become more violent to win.
Younger children react equally to animated violence as to real violence.
For a younger child the line between reality and fantasy is not strong. There are many questions about the cumulative effect of video games, computers, and television. We do know that video game content is often one of violence and sex. Parents are urged to monitor video game play the same way they need to monitor television. Use ratings, be familiar with the game.