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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."

4 of 511 comments (clear)

  1. 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. 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!

  3. 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