Upcoming popular video game release revives controversial debate
Seventy-two percent of parents don't know game ratings, according to study
Eric Benderoff - Chicago Tribune
Issue date: 4/28/08 Section: News
The debate about violent video games reappears with each new generation of video players, because each edition is that much more realistic.
Jonathan Timm, a 19-year old student, is a big fan of "Grand Theft Auto" and is anxious to get his hands on the new game. He started playing when he was 15.
"It's pretty easy for kids to get it," he said. "I didn't have any stumbling blocks when I wanted to play the game. My parents trusted me."
Avid gamer Dan Rubin, 22, said the violence in "Grand Theft Auto" is over the top, but dosen't blame kids for wanting to play.
"People buy what the salespeople say is good," Rubin said. "If someone
tells you a game is amazing, you're going to buy it. And if they tell you it's too violent and not for your kids, people won't buy it. That's the responsibility of the salesman."
The 2007 study from MediaWise found that one in three retailers fail to educate customers about ratings on video games.
The report stated, "It's hard to completely blame parents for not understanding the rating system when retailers come up short on their commitment to educate the public."
Jonathan Timm, a 19-year old student, is a big fan of "Grand Theft Auto" and is anxious to get his hands on the new game. He started playing when he was 15.
"It's pretty easy for kids to get it," he said. "I didn't have any stumbling blocks when I wanted to play the game. My parents trusted me."
Avid gamer Dan Rubin, 22, said the violence in "Grand Theft Auto" is over the top, but dosen't blame kids for wanting to play.
"People buy what the salespeople say is good," Rubin said. "If someone
tells you a game is amazing, you're going to buy it. And if they tell you it's too violent and not for your kids, people won't buy it. That's the responsibility of the salesman."
The 2007 study from MediaWise found that one in three retailers fail to educate customers about ratings on video games.
The report stated, "It's hard to completely blame parents for not understanding the rating system when retailers come up short on their commitment to educate the public."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Evan
posted 4/28/08 @ 2:05 AM CST
It's all a big scapegoat. Shouldn't we be more worried about real issues like bullying in school, domestic violence, divorce, and substance abuse? You know, the things that ACTUALLY damage a child?
But that is just my opinion. (Continued…)
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