<span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS">I'm doing a research paper on violence in video games and the topic is, "Is the video-game industry doing a good job of regulating itself when it comes to violent games, or should the federal government intervene in the industry's ratings system? Should retailers be punished for selling violent video games to minors?" I'm just curious about what everyone's opinions are on this topic.</span>
I think they should really look into a game and see what content it might have. And put an age on that appropiate to the game. If a store sells a game to someone thats younger YES! I repeat YES they should get a fine! Violent games can change a kids behavior.
I played Doom when i was 4. I've killed the following number of people: 0 I've seriously injured the following number of people: 0 I've intentionally/significantly damaged other's property the following number of times: 0 I've harrased the following number of animals: 0 I've caused major distress in the following number of people's lives: 0
i think they should get more violent, b but only have them on 18+ games anything else, should be less violent nd be fighting like Sonic or mario brothers but not be as colourful as viva pinata
<span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS">Do you think the government should regulate the ratings though or should it be left to the industry?</span>
Leave it to the industry. The government would much rather censor a lot of material to please the the anti-video game violence crowd rather than push for 'better parenting'
<span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS">Should retailers be fined for selling violent games to minors?</span>
yes they should, its like on here GR has loads of teenagers and with the new GTA on its way soon i bet most of them are under the required age and will own it the day its out..Its basically down to the parents of the kids though, why would an adult buy an 18 rated game for a 13/14 year old? its just common sense imo. Personally i like violent games and ive never done anything like hurt, kill or use drugs in my life. All the governments want to do is ban games like Manhunt just cause little kids get hold of them/play them and try to do things they have seen characters do.
<span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS">And that's what the issue comes down to. If little kids are gonna try to copy the things they do in the game, should the government step in to prevent this?</span>
At the end of the day, you can show me all the Manhunts and GTA's in the world; I know 14 year olds that have gotten hold of films like Ichigo the Killer and even Cannibal Holocaust. Now THERE is some media that needs censoring. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for harsher age restrictions on video games but it seems to me that there's little a government can do in today's age beyond blanket banning violence in games which is NOT the answer (let alone being against many rights in could be argued). The industry has to be tougher about who can buy games but at the same time parents have to be more sensible about what their kids can play. At the same time their has to be less media hype about these games; from a personal point of view I wouldn't have given GTA a second look if it hadn't been for the hype surrounding it when GTA3 was released (admittedly it is a good game but still) and the same goes for Manhunt. It also really doesn't help when every killing by anyone under the 25 age barrier seems to at some point be linked to video games. There are millions of people that play games every day, as a hobby or past time, with friends or by themselves; the percentage of these that have ever even committed the slightest felony is the same as the percentage found in non-gamers i.e. games aren't to blame. A lack of education, morally bankrupt society, youthful rebellion and poor parenting are all more likely actual components of most supposed video game related illegal activities.
all they can do to prevent that sort of thing happening is to bring in stronger laws to prevent anyone under the age the game is made for from getting it. Then thats up to the stores to really stick by them, but over the internet anyone can get hold of something they arent supposed to as most places just have a 'you must be 18 years of age to view whatever'. But to me its not really down to the government as they can try and bring in stonger rules for this sort of thing, but its down to the parents of the kids and why they bought them or let them have that sort of game in the first place.
Are you kidding? ESRB ratings are strict, the highest rated game you'd see is M. There hasn't been any AO game which can't be bought anywhere (here). The video game industry is perfectly fine, and its up to the parents to supervise what their children are doing.
I really think it's a psychological thing when you try to mimic games in real life. You were bound to eventually go crazy one day if you were to do some ish like that. Really i think even a small kid would understand that it's all fantasy (such as I did). Just my opinion I guess.
I mostly agree with Dark Shine. There's no need to place the blame with video games all the time. Just turn on the tv and watch the news, not a day goes by without excessive violence being shown on. Not to mention the films that are broadcasted. As for the way the videogame industry handles it's rating, I believe it to be perfert and truthful. Games that are violent get this rating and get the 18+ sign. Plus all the other things included in the game are mentioned (foul language, sexual content, ...) Problem is though, the people in the stores don't pay attention to who buys it. And even if they do, then an older friend or some uncle goes out to buy it for them. And frankly, I don't see anything wrong with it either. it's not because you're young and you play a violent game, that you will turn to violence. I myself have playing these kind of games since I was 12 or so and I have never felt the slightest urge for violence. A lot depends on the way you are raised I think. A loving environment is important and strict parents as well. Not strict in the way you aren't allowed anything, but in the way of being consistent. letting you child loose too much will only enhance negative behaviour, but if you remain in control and if you talk about these things with your kid, then there's no reason to panic. Of course, every once in a while a kid goes crazy and does something violent, but then people immediatly turn to videogames to put the blame on them. It kinda makes me sick, becasue these people are so narrowminded that they just can't see the bigger picture. Videogames are not the most important indicator for violence, in my opinion, that's the child's environment.
The industry should handle ratings. And the punishment for giving out a violent game should be as bad as the punishment for blockbuster renting a rated r movie to minors. IMO violence in video games is bs. The more violent video games are sold each year the more crime drops. Coincidence? Most likely, but one thing is certain, violence isn't going up. I have yet to meet a single violent gamer. Even the hardcore counter strike people. All it is is those republicans and conservatives finding another thing to whine about, but you just can't stop media. You can't censor violent movies and you can't censor vgs. Period.
