Hello, J Rose. 1.  You wrote, "Let's assume that some set of 'skill' is gained by certain video games- by the way, this is an assumption that is riddled with potential contradictions.  But let's assume that what is being measured is the increase in some aggragate of behaviors that we identify as a 'skill'." OK, I'll do that. 2.  You wrote, "In reading the article and comments by the so called scientist, it was quicky obvious that the set of variables that might be increasing the skill of the player is clearly independent of he content killing." If I interpret you correctly, you think that, "The measured skill of video game players might increase by virtue of their playing a video game with characteristics other than one requiring the players to kill virtual beings." When I evaluate my interpretation of what you wrote, I agree with your statement.  -nj