Omaha-based researchers have concluded a new study suggesting that games can have an arousing and desensitising effect on players - potentially making younger players more violent in the process.

The researchers in question apparently used brain scans to demonstrate that violent games stimulated the brain to a greater extent than non-violent games.

"Exposure to violent video games, even E rated video games, increases aggressive thoughts, increases pro-social behaviour and increases general arousal," Dr. Greg Snyder explained.

Gamers playing these violent title were than demonstrated to react less to real-world when faced with it.

"The more normal it is, the more likely it is they're going to activate or engage in those behaviours when provoked or even unprovoked," Snyder offered.

Gamers in Omaha Group, meanwhile, reacted angrily to the research claiming the researchers were simply attacking a new medium - in the same manner as TV and books once were.

By Luke Guttridge