GTA and Rating of Video Games

Gamer writes "There is an interesting debate on Grand Theft Auto and rating of computer games going on. It started with Lawmeme's Paul Szynol wants 'distribution control so that minors don't get access to inappropriate material'. Greplaw's Mikael Pawlo has a reply saying 'Computer games are art and should be dealt with accordingly, without any references to the prohibition tactics of the 1980:ies.' Would the world not be a better place without the violence in GTA? I don't understand Pawlo's art argument, although I love gaming. I agree with Paul Szynol. Kids should not get violent games." I really don't have a problem with regulating violent games- its when the government tries to outlaw them that I have a problem.

Comments

GOURANGA

[RobertTaylor]

Art, eh?

I would agree, the splattering of 6 Hare Krishna's on the pavement certainly is an art form ;)

GTA is worse for adults...

[Anonymous Coward]

I started playing it to blow off steam. As an adult who can drive, I find myself getting urges to just ram idiots who get in my way off the road, or to drive up on the sidewalk to get around them and mow people down if they happen to be walking there. Kids can't drive, so those urges won't affect them. Well, until they get their learner's permit. :-)

Re:no law enforcement for violence? ok

[moonbender]

Companies want to make money, not be considered an icon of all that is unholy.

So, is this where open-source, saviour of neglected gaming genres, comes in? YAARG - yet another ASCII raping game? GnuMurder? /me runs

Re:no law enforcement for violence? ok

[Anonymous Coward]

Not only is it a handy acronym, it's also the noise that pirates make! Wow!

Re:Smart, Real smart.

[garcia]

very true.

My father took me to see Alies when I was pretty young (8 IIRC). It was rated R. I specifically remember the ticket booth guy w/wide eyes when I was going in there. My mother was undescribable.

I played plenty of video games when I was a kid. Never thought twice if they were violent or not.

As I got older I was not interested in getting games for their "gore". If I enjoyed a game, then I played it. It wasn't b/c it was gory.

I have GTA3. I was 22 when I got it. It was a good game overall but I wasn't thrilled w/it either. I much preferred Gran Turismo and Madden...

So, exposed at an early age left me w/killing tendencies and horrid mental scaring.

Really, it did.

I will fight my S.O. to the death if she argues this w/our children...

Just my worthless .02

My opinion

[SomeOtherGuy]

First they took my Custers Revenge -- I did nothing

Then they took my GTA III -- I did nothing

Now all I have left to play is Super Mario's bible challenge and Tetris....Damn them

Re:"I'm pro-gun"

[NortWind]

You say you are pro-gun, I am wondering what good a gun dose ?

You might want to own a gun because:

• They are a good investment. Valuable guns appreciate in value.
• They are collectable. They are often made with great skill and artistry.
• Guns may have historic interest, by being old or made in a style linked to history.
• They can be used for self defense.
• A gun may have been a gift or inheritance, and be good to own for that reason.
• They can be used for developing your skill at target practice.
• You might have a teen age daughter.