From the rocket-propelled grenade that shoots down a police helicopter to the punch in the face delivered to a former friend, the depictions of realistic violence in the newest "Grand Theft Auto" video game are raising fresh concerns. And gamers can’t wait to play.
But the firestorm of controversy surrounding the phenomenally successful game series already has struck. "People think video games equal kids, and that if it’s just a game, it should be fine," said Robin Burke, a game-development professor at DePaul University. "But the idea that a game is made for a mature audience, we (as a society) don’t have our arms around that yet."
Is "Grand Theft Auto" harmless fun for adults, or a corrupting influence on kids? Listen to Ben and Joel's discussion, or go weigh in on the topic.
Thoughts
Parenting
Submitted on April 30th, 2008 by AnonymousIt is absurd to think that we as a society are blaming video games for our kids' problems. The problem is in the parenting. If you think that this game is to violent for children, then don't buy it for your child! It's not Rockstar Games' fault. It's not Best Buy's fault for stocking it. It's your fault for allowing it in your home.
Media Misconstrued
Submitted on April 29th, 2008 by AnonymousPictures, literature, film, art and video games all have very extreme ends. From a Disney movie to the latest porn. A simple baby's first book to War and Peace. Each form has a specific audience and is up to parents to decide what is and not appropriate. I am a 37 year old gamer but I want mature content. The industry made 12 billion last year, does anyone think the children have all the money to buy all the games? No. Data shows the target audience that spends the most are 18 to 35 year old males. Blaming the game industry is a lack of parenting and a pass the buck attitude. If senators and congress are involved when more pressing issues such as health care, rising gas prices and poverty should be of more concern then media it is time to vote them out and get a new crowd, The movie and music indusrty didn't even make the profit the gaming scene has done for the last 5 years, Only DVD sales did better. The ESRB rates games for a reason. Next time you walk through a Blockbuster store pay attention to how many R rated titles are in plain view of minors and how they are free to roam the store looking at anything they can. Is this a crime? No. Games are the same way.
If they ban it, I'll bootleg it
Submitted on April 29th, 2008 by Chuck_JohnsonBecause we deserve more than this attempted crackdown from our Congress.
I can't believe I am saying this, but Joel is exactly right about how media can lead to freedom.
Many of the people who tore down the Berlin wall were wearing heavy metal jackets.
For the record, my disdain for cops and authority figures came from GTA. That can't be a bad thing.
Chuck Johnson is a student at Claremont McKenna College. Feel free to contact him.