Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Lion And Lamb Project Lambasts Videogames

Posted by simoniker on from the roar-and-bleat dept.

Thanks to Gamasutra for pointing to the Lion And Lamb Project's new listing of their 'Dirty Dozen for 2004', as the organization, which "works to reduce the marketing of violent toys, games and entertainment to children", singles out Rockstar's Manhunt for its 'Pushing The Envelope' pick, despite the Mature rating, mentioning that "69 percent of underage teenagers were able to buy M-rated games at retail stores." Interestingly, Sony's Teen-rated Jak II is also criticized under the heading 'Deceptive Branding: The Sequel That Isn't', with the comments: "The original game in this series - Jak and Daxter - was rated E for Everyone... parents who feel comfortable with this 'brand' are in for a rude surprise if they purchase the sequel for their young children." However, the project's Top 20 non-violent toys also include videogames, including Dance Dance Revolution and Zoo Tycoon.

3 of 69 comments (clear)

  1. Problem with anti-violence message by MBraynard · · Score: 1, Interesting
    Is that it neglects to make the point that violence is often needed. Police engage in violence every day against those who would take advantage of the weak and unarmed. IDF forces shoot on site those they spot wearing suicide vests.

    Take this anti-violence message far enough and what to you get? Tibet, forever under the iron boot of the Chicoms without so much as a whimper in protest.

    Lion and the Lamb? Just remember that outside of Bible metaphor (and yeah - it's metaphor), the lion eats the lamb.

  2. Too Much Hot Air by silentbobdp · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I love how every group of twelve soccer moms standing on the sidelines biddying gets to release these lists and people actually give a damn about them and their little world for about two minutes.

    With that said, any parent who lets a six- or seven-year-old play Manhunt should be shot. They exist. I saw one buy it for them while I bought SSX 3 yesterday.

    --
    --Moo.
  3. Jak 2 by WasterDave · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The Jak 2 thing is a fair comment. Much of it is really quite horrible - the intro movie, for instance. I'd feel really bad if I'd got this for a kid's christmas present. It's bloody hard too.

    It's a good game, but I was really disappointed to not be getting a Jak and Daxter sequel.

    Dave

    --
    I write a blog now, you should be afraid.