The European Parliament Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection released a new report on a study about video games. Here’s the coverage by Reuter. (Nothing new here… and again, sitting on the fence.)

“Videogames are in most cases not dangerous and can even contribute to the development of important skills,” said Toine Manders, the Dutch liberal lawmaker who drafted the report.

“(They stimulate) learning of facts and skills such as strategic reflection, creativity, cooperation and a sense of innovation,” a news release on the report said.

The report avoided any call for EU-wide legislation banning certain games, and instead urged the bloc’s 27 member states to work together in strengthening an existing voluntary code in Europe known as “PEGI” which rates games according to content.

Total revenues from the video gaming sector amounted to more than seven billion euros ($9 billion) last year, the report said. In Britain, separate research last year showed videogames outselling music and other video products for the first time.

Am I surprised? No.

Am I surprised it got flamed (read the comments) by a bunch gamers? Nope!