打游戏常常被认为影响学习，但如今，却出现了专门研究电子游戏的课程。
Since this semester, Peking University has offered an optional course called General Theory of Electronic Games, which has gained popularity among students, reported The Beijing News. It was originally designed to accept 120 students, but around 200 attended the first two lessons.
据《新京报》报道，北京大学本学期开设了一门名为《电子游戏通论》的选修课，在学生中大受欢迎。该课程原定的学生人数为120人，但前两节课却吸引了将近200名学生前来听课。
However, the new course has caused discussions among those who believe it sets a bad example.
然而，这一新课程也引发了一些人的讨论，他们认为这并非带了个好头。
Some people believe that as the prestigious Peking University has opened a course on electronic games, students may believe it’s acceptable to play games rather than study, Zhu Wei, an associate professor from the China University of Political Science and Law, told China National Radio.
有些人认为，像北大这样的名校都开设了电子游戏相关课程，学生们或许会误认为玩游戏就是学习，中国政法大学副教授朱巍在接受央广网采访时如此表示。
In response to these concerns, Chen Jiang, the course instructor, explained that the course isn’t designed to challenge traditional views.
该课程的讲师陈江回应了这些质疑，解释称这一课程并非旨在挑战传统观念。
“I like playing games, but I deeply understand the problems that games have caused,” Chen told The Beijing News. “I have a sense of mission. I want more students to know what electronic games are – the benefits and problems.”
“我自己很喜欢玩游戏，但也深觉游戏存在问题，”陈江在接受《新京报》采访时表示。“我觉得有一种使命感，要让很多同学知道游戏到底是什么：有好玩的地方，也有很多问题。”
Instead of teaching students how to play electronic games, the course will cover issues related to electronic games, such as research and development, technology and players’ psychology, according to Chen.
这门课不是教学生如何打游戏，而是涵盖了一些电子游戏相关的问题，如研发、技术、玩家心理等等，陈江表示。
In fact, Peking University’s course on electronic games is nothing new. In 2016, the Ministry of Education included electronic sports, which is professional electronic gaming, as a new major for vocational schools. And in the same year, a higher vocational college in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region opened China’s first electronic sports course.
事实上，北京大学的这门电子游戏课程并非先例。早在2016年，教育部就将电子竞技运动（专业电竞）作为职业院校的新专业。同年，内蒙古的一所高职院校设立了全国首家电子竞技专业课程。
This new course at Peking University arrives at a time when China’s game industry is booming. According to an article published by Fortune in December, China’s video game market is the world’s largest and is expected to continue to grow.
北大开设这一新课程恰逢中国游戏产业蓬勃发展之时。《财富》杂志去年12月发布的一篇文章指出，中国拥有全球最大的电子游戏市场，并预计将持续增长。
And the booming industry has in turn impacted many Chinese people, especially the young.
而蓬勃的游戏产业也影响了许多中国人，尤其是年轻人。
According to the 2017 Blue Book of China’s Society, released by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, more than 38 percent of Chinese people younger than 26 said their ideal job would be to work as a professional electronic gamer.
中国社会科学院发布的2017年《社会蓝皮书》显示，超过38%的26岁以下青年愿意选择电子游戏玩家作为职业。
Despite this, Wang Dong, a professor from Shenzhen University, said it is necessary for universities and individuals to stay rational in view of the market.
尽管如此，深圳大学教授王东表示，高校和个人都需要对市场保持理智。
“I hope the public can view electronic sports as a leisure activity and leave enough room for healthy development,” Wang told China Daily. “Parents and teachers should also help students choose majors that fit them.”
“我希望公众能够将电子竞技运动视为一种休闲活动，给予足够的空间令其健康发展，”王东在接受《中国日报》采访时表示。“家长和老师也应该帮助学生们选择适合他们的专业。”
