German President Steinmeier warns of the downsides of gaming

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged people to take a critical look at computer games.

"Because computer and video games have become so ubiquitous, we must also discuss the downsides of this development - objectively, honestly and in a nuanced way," he said in an address to the Gamescom video game trade fair in Cologne on Thursday.

Computer game addiction is a condition recognized by the World Health Organization, which has serious consequences for those affected, he said. 

"And there are, of course, some computer games in which young people are exposed to brutality and raw violence, to sexism, racism, inhuman thinking and extremist ideologies," he added. 

In general, Steinmeier took a positive view of gaming - although, by his own admission, he is not a gamer himself. Computer games have become an integral part of cultural life, he said. 

"The cliché of the nerdy teenager who - round the clock, fuelled by junk food and energy drinks - plays games in his darkened room does not do justice to reality," Steinmeier said.

"Games have long since found their place at the heart of our society," he said.

He pointed out that the technologies used in gaming are also important for sectors such as medicine, architecture and vehicle design. "We want your industry here in Germany; we want it to be economically strong," Steinmeier said.

It was the German president's first visit to the world's largest gaming fair, which runs until Sunday. More than 350,000 visitors are expected.