Throughout history have games become a violent escape for our kids?

From the first, first ever game console magnavox odyssey or the Atari Pong system to such new models as xbox 360, ps3, and the nintendo wii...Gaming has evolved into an extreme but yet suttle craze. Americans especially happen to be the most prune to technology, in which in today's society is considered violent. This further brings me to the question: "Throughout history have games become a violent escape for our kids and a comforting drug for our society?"