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GTA Violence, the Media, and the Gamers

Posted by simoniker on from the no-good-answer dept.

jvm writes "The Video Game Ombudsman and Curmudgeon Gamer currently have posts with opposing views on the recent and oft-criticized NY Post article about the violence in the Grand Theft Auto series of games. The Ombudsman discourages gamers from getting upset over the 'false and irresponsible' writing in the NY Post, equating it with a 'National Enquirer story saying that video games cause AIDS'. In response, this Curmudgeon says that's plain wrong, that gamers should 'stop dodging the issue' of game violence and 'start talking realistically about degrees of harm, freedoms, and responsibility'. So what's a gamer to do? Ignore the obviously clueless mainstream press or start the soul searching? Oh, and Penny Arcade has its own angle on the perils of dealing with the mainstream press, in response to how the noble Child's Play was represented."

12 of 511 comments (clear)

  1. Re:BF Skinner was right by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Then I need to make a game about having sex with me and market it to hot 19 year old girls.

    Video games effect behavior? Please...

  2. Re:It's Columbine all over again by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Close that closet door and back away, right now!

  3. Just remember what the MPAA says... by Neuticle · · Score: 5, Funny

    "Horrific, deplorable violence is OK, as long as people don't say any naughty words." /Broflovsky

    Oh wait, shouldn't that be "Naughty words are ok, as long as Michael Jackson doesn't play Grand thef..."

    AW Screw it, I'm confused.

    Is anything going to shock us in 10 years?

    --
    "Cheeze it!" - Bender
    1. Re:Just remember what the MPAA says... by ComaVN · · Score: 5, Funny

      Is anything going to shock us in 10 years?

      I don't think poop sex with dead horses will become mainstream anytime soon.

      Did I say that out loud?

      --
      Be wary of any facts that confirm your opinion.
    2. Re:Just remember what the MPAA says... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      You got those e-mails too?

  4. How long will it be... by graveyardduckx · · Score: 5, Funny

    Until someone makes a mod for GTA3 where you can drive around killing RIAA/MPAA members, government officials, talk show hosts, media nazis, small furry animals, and civil rights leaders? That sounds like quality family entertainment!

    1. Re:How long will it be... by shadowcabbit · · Score: 2, Funny
      Until someone makes a mod for GTA3 where you can drive around killing [...] small furry animals...

      I use a small fictional furry animal as my online avatar. I am deeply shocked, offended, and appalled that you would even suggest the senseless murder of a member of a minority; not to mention the gross lack of racial sensitivity that would allow you to even conceive of such a horrific act. On behalf of nerds who use small furry animals as their online avatars, friends of people with small furry animals as their avatars, small furry animals, and the Democratic Party, I am hereby condemning you and the sum total of your posts, regardless of content, as filth, smut, and any other negative word I can think of, and I will be petitioning the State of Florida Judicial System (motto: "Insanity isn't a defense, it's the way we do things down here") to have your Slashdot posts removed from the record immediately and irrevocably.

      ...

      (I shouldn't have to say this, but that was sarcasm.)

      --
      "Why Subscribe?" Good question...
  5. Re:go Child's Play by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Maybe someone should do a game where you play the angry gamer going after reporters. Gamers Revenge -- You want violence, we'll give you violence. You're lucky it's JUST A GAME.

  6. A round of applause for Captain Obvious, everyone! by phillymjs · · Score: 5, Funny

    Now I have to say that I don't agree with censorship, but GTA: Vice City is a game that could do with restricting as to who can play it.

    Well, gee, Sparky, I think that's the whole point of that "M - Mature" emblem on the lower left corner of the box. You can't blame the game company if parents don't keep their kids from playing violent video games, any more than you can blame the power company if parents don't keep their kids from sticking a fork in an outlet.

    Or did you mean some sort of "Leisure Suit Larry"-esque means of preventing people from playing it, by asking a bunch of questions only people old enough to play would be able to answer? Not that that scheme would work longer than five minutes in this day and age, before 'prepubescentgamerz.com' posted the full list of questions and answers.

    ~Philly

  7. Time honored solution by droleary · · Score: 2, Funny
    1. Let voices in your head guide you.
    2. Get high powered rifle.
    3. Climb to top of clock tower.
    4. Empty clip into crowd. Repeat until captured.
    5. Sign with amoral publisher/media giant to tell your story.
    6. Profit. (That's right, people, I got to profit without a mystery step! :-)

    Then they'd have some real news to write about instead of fabricating bogus issues to distract people from things that actually matter. But, really, nothing after point 1 is significant. Someone who is messed up mentally will likely act out, and I personally would rather they have a virtual environment to fill that need. Games being a whole lot of fun for a sane person at the same time is just an added bonus.

  8. Re:BF Skinner was right by Lozzer · · Score: 3, Funny

    I think the biggest problem I suffered was driving on the right in GTA VC, and then having to revert to the left when back behind the wheel of a real car. Lucky I live in a quiet estate.

    --
    Special Relativity: The person in the other queue thinks yours is moving faster.
  9. Re:Not for kids... get a grip by karnal · · Score: 2, Funny

    " and respect for others."

    Good to see that that's working out for you.

    "you stupid fucking lazy mother fucker."

    Nice.

    --
    Karnal