The Issue Almost since the first popular first person shooter, Doom, was released there have been attempts to tie video games to violence and antisocial behavior.With the advent of newer more powerful systems and better graphics that allows more realistic depictions of violence and /or sex this debate has heated up again
The Past
The Comics Code
This is nothing new, in 1954 facing criticism and threats of regulation for causing "juvenile delinquency " the comic book industry decided to self regulate and start enforcing the "Comics Code Authority".At the time horror and crime, not superhero, comics were the best sellers. These comics depicted somewhat tame, by today's standards, depictions of blood,gore,sex, crime and violence. Fredric Wertham a psychiatrist published a book called "Seduction of the Innocent" in 1954 that called out the mass media and in particular comic books for its depictions of violent content and its harmful effects on children (sound familiar). This led to the congressional hearing's that led to the Comics Code.Second Verse Same as the First
As you can see this is not the first time "experts" and the government have tried to blame a mass media for problems of violence and crime. Jack Thompson a lawyer from Florida made a career of suing and crusading against the media, and in particular video games, starting in 1997 calling them "murder simulators" but he really rose to prominence in 2003 when he went after Rockstar Games and their game Grand Theft Auto III . Eventually Jack Thompson's claims and antics became so outrageous that he was discredited and disbarred. In some ways Jack Thompson and others like him succeeded because in 1999 the video game industry, like comics before, facing possible government regulation set up their own ratings system.While I have some issues with age restrictions I do like the content advisory part of the system that lets you know what kind of content the game has.You can also argue that like the "explicit lyrics" stickers used in the recording industry some titles use the Mature rating to boost sales.
The Present
The Nanny State
There has been no study I could find that proves beyond doubt that violent or sexually explicit video games or media in general cause abnormal levels of violence or sexuality.But for the sake of argument lets assume that in some percentage it does, that does not in my opinion give the government the authority to regulate video games.If their abnormal behavior crosses the line into criminal then and only then should the government step in and only to separate them from society. Any regulation begs the question who sets the standards and at what level?
What is more offensive, a persons head getting blown off or two people kissing?
What is to far, a persons hand getting cut off or him being cut in half, body parts showing or simulated sex?
What words or are going to be offensive and to who?
Different people will have different answers to those questions. In all honesty I do sometimes have concerns over some game content, mostly due to the fact that it glamorizes criminal behavior, and I wonder if some kids and teen could be attracted to that lifestyle. I think most people, even kids, if they have been raised correctly can separate a game from reality. But even if they can't that is the price we pay for freedom. No one but you, if you are an adult, or your parents ,if you are a minor, can or should decide what is acceptable.
Some Other Video Games That Have Been Controversial
