It's always fun to explore how people interact with video games, except when that interaction begins and ends with doing studies about how horrible they are. In this episode of the Spotlight, a pair of Bitmobbers defend the pastime, Conor Hughes professes his love to the Call of Duty series, and we get to know Brian Shirk a little better. We are also due for a nice rant about one company's tardy game release habits....

BYU Study: Gaming Will Make You a Loser
By Evan Killham
During the course of Evan’s self-inflicted misfortune of listening to John Tesh's radio show, he heard all about a study that links gaming to poor relationships with friends and family. His objections to this questionable study are well worth a read. Sorry about the Tesh, Evan.

Games Are My Light Side, Rap Is My Dark Side
By Brian Shirk
Everyone has something that helps them through difficult situations. For me, it is a heavy dose of 80s Goth music and tea. Brian gives us a look at two elements of his life that help him to feel and make sense of the world -- gaming and rap.

Time to Complain: Where’s Episode 3?
By Mike Minotti
Mike’s right. Where IS Half-Life 2: Episode 3? His well-argued complaint, punctuated by hilarious original artwork, brings back the deep love/hate relationship I have with Valve and their game-release practices. Even if you don’t care about the anguish Half-Life fans endure over this issue, Mike’s charm just might inspire outrage. And isn't that what it's really all about?

Making a Positive Case for Video Games
By Jay Henningsen
John Tesh would have us believe that video games are just a waste of time that make us socially stunted and contribute to family disputes, and that adult contemporary is a music genre that isn't just for waiting rooms and drug stores. Jay makes a smile-inducing case for how video games are actually beneficial, from education to recovery. What now, Tesh?

Call of Duty: A Retrospective
By Conor Hughes
Little known fact: Modern Warfare 2 launches on my birthday. In celebration of my birth, Conor has pieced together a lovely retrospective of what sets the Call of Duty series apart. His love for the series shows in this wonderful discussion of the franchise.

How Much Do Friends Add to the Replay Value of Games?
By Rodrigo Pardo
Times are hard on many this year, and the holiday game releases kicking off this month aren't making it any easier. Rodrigo can’t swing all of them, but feels friends have the power to increase the longevity of games. Of course, that only works if your friends have good taste in games....