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A History of Video Game Controversy

Decaffeinated Jedi writes "Sex, violence, animal cruelty, and scandalous pixels -- GameSpot has posted an in-depth feature examining the history of controversy in the video game industry. The feature examines several "major offenders" dating back as far as Death Race in the arcades up through more recent games like Grand Theft Auto III and Manhunt. Also included in the feature is coverage of the so-called "retail rogues" (games controversial enough that they were pulled from the shelves), as well as a docket of game-industry lawsuits and a look at the lighter side of game controversy. Who wants to bet that that the use-confiscated-drugs-for-short-term-benefit gameplay of Midway's upcoming NARC will make the cut in future articles about video game controversy?"

4 of 354 comments (clear)

  1. Re:It's Really Just A Statement About The Directio by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    "We look for someone or something to blame society's ills on"

    Can anyone say "Salem Witch Trials?"

    All of this nonsense, including antiquated notions about sex and nudity in the media, comes from the American Puritan (read: stupid, backwards, and closed-minded) Tradition.

    Some things never change...

  2. am i the only one... by bsDaemon · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    who is sick of this commie liberal "think of the children" bullshit that seeks to substitute parents actually teaching their kids right from wrong?
    Maybe I'll go play DOOM and shoot up a high school, since apparantly that's all it takes...

  3. Re: Custer's Revenge by dave420 · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    Well, it's still going on. The US armed forces have "Apache" and "Commanche" helicopters, and use "Tomahawk" cruise missiles. As Noam Chomsky put it, it would be like Nazi Germany having tanks named "Jew" and "Gypsy". Oh, but it's the US, so it must be OK... it has a pretty flag on it... so pretty...

  4. Re:Context, not equivocation. by hesiod · · Score: 1, Flamebait

    > Remind me again, what happens if you play it and don't kill anyone, hurt anyone or steal anything? Last I knew, you lose the game...

    I've never lost a game like that... What happens? you get really bored with walking around looking at stuff. You don't gain any points, but unless you are an a mission you don't lose anything.

    > In Passion, we see an example of noble sacrifice.

    Really? I see a man who decided to sacrifice himself. It is not noble, it is just his choice. The only reason it is "noble" is because you see it as such. The only reason someone is offended by GTA is because they choose to be. I choose not to be offended by something completely made up, I choose not to consider Jesus noble for allowing himself to be killed.

    (The real post is over, just a note on Christ: If he's so noble and can do miracles, would it not have been more noble for him to stick around longer & help heal/teach his followers? I don't believe this argument, but it is something to ponder.)