Okay, so maybe the idea of using "cheat codes" in video games doesn't exactly strike you as an ethical dilemma: and maybe that's a good thing.

Your conscience deserves a lot of exercise, but it is best used in tackling the world's big problems. (Besides, even video game developers are more worried about real-world problems like creating games that are too addicting).

If you've never felt quite right using cheat codes in video games - even on the latest game consoles like Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii - then maybe this article will set you straight.

It's time to stop feeling bad about using cheat codes - even if you feel bad because you aren't able to honestly beat the game. After all, playing video games is about having fun, not necessarily always putting in the maximum effort to defeat every single enemy in the latest first-person shooter. There are indeed some real-world issues to think about - as Xbox Live will kick out players it catches hacking the system - but when it comes to cheat codes, you probably don't need to worry.

Reason #1: The programmers put the codes in!

How bad are cheat codes if they're inserted by the very video game programmers who created the game? Many times, you'll find that a quick Google search allows you to find a cheat code for a game you've been playing; it's not as if these cheat codes are always hacks that help you manipulate the game. Cheat codes are ways you can have fun with the video game. If you're playing with Tiger Woods' EA Sports video game, you know that you can break the "rules" by wearing an Elvis costume on the golf course. The silliness is part of the fun. If you decide to inflate your character's bank account in a game of "The Sims," then you shouldn't feel as bad as you would if you were to cheat your way into real money.

Reason #2: Good clean fun.

Even if your conscience doesn't feel bad, you might still feel like using a cheat code somehow circumvented the way the game was designed to naturally flow. This might be the case, but that's no reason you shouldn't use your cheat codes. If you want to have good clean fun, sometimes that means doing a little cheating. Go ahead, set the Madden difficulty level to "rookie" and have fun racking up 100 straight points.

Reason #3: You're not hacking.

Hacking is a very separate thing from using cheat codes: when you hack, you go against the game was it was intended and actually manipulate someone's product. Cheat codes are inserted by the game companies themselves to spice up the game a little bit and allow you to have a little extra fun. When you hack, and especially when you hack on Xbox Live, you will actually hurt other people's honest efforts by your own dishonesty.

Reason #4: It can be fun to win the game easily.

Sometimes, using the cheat code to win a game easily - when you're playing solo - is more fun than using the game the more "honest" way. That's part of the idea of gaming: you're not hurting anyone and you're not looking to do so, you're just looking to have some fun with imaginary characters on a computer screen. And sometimes, it's part of the fantasy to enjoy a totally lopsided victory.

Reason #5: Entertaining others.

When you use a cheat code, you can actually have some fun with it outside of yourself - you can have friends and family check out the cheat and have fun with it, too. If anything, spreading this kind of cheer around is a good deed.

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!