"There is a warning about a new video game that will soon hit store shelves," starts the local TV news report about Rockstar Games' upcoming Manhunt 2, delivered in a typically sermonizing TV anchor tenor, as a montage of disturbing images from the game plays in the background. "Players simulate various ways of murder from strangulation to stabbings with their controllers."
Video game watchdogs have called Rockstar Games' bloody Manhunt 2 (pictured above) a "murder training device." Click to see more images from the controversial game.
Every generation of popular culture needs a boogeyman, and like dime-store novels, comic books and horror films, video games are public enemy number-one for many parents, politicians and pundits. According to them, games desensitize children and turn them into unfeeling killing machines. Controversial anti-game attorney Jack Thompson has called violent games "murder simulators," and has attributed (often without evidence) many cases of school violence to gamers acting out what they see on screen.
Reader Comments (290)
I personally wouldn't let my 16 yr old play this, but I would play it--and know while I was playing it--that someone out there would definitely get the wrong message from this game. I don't think people realize just how much effect media imagines (commerical, magazine, and those in video games) have on us. If it didn't have any effect on us, why else would companies place advertising for products or music within the games? Tony Hawk's games are a fine example of pushing music, and I LOVE that game. However, I realize the power of seeing something (or hearing it) over and over. It's no different from seeing a commercial on TV for a Big Mac and suddenly you want to get the kids and go out for a Big Mac. No, you're not a robot programmed to do McDonald's bidding, but the ad made you react. That is the danger of these kinds of games. It's the suggestion it plants. Not everyone is going to run out for that a Big Mac, but there is going to be that small number of people. Some small number of people may play a game like this, and not realize it's effect on them until they get in a situation and snap on someone. It's not that hard to imagine.
I HAVE BEEN PLAYING THESE KIND OF GAMES SINCE I WAS A LITTLE KID, AND I NEVER ONCE THOUGHT ABOUT DOING HARM OF ANY KIND TO A HUMAN BEING, EXCEPT FOR ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND WRESTLING MAT OF COURSE.
well it is stupid cause we are a free country, and if we change cause a game. that is OUR fault. arrest us. we cant learn from a vidio game! also if we pay for it yuo guys get money. so what is the hastle. let us gamers play what we want to play.
This is probably the only issue I will ever have a conservative stance on. I think most video games are HORRIBLE. I hate them and think that they should not exist. Sure, you say, if you don't like the game, don't buy it. Here's the problem -- kids that are old enough to have a driver's license and money can still go out and get them, and let's face facts.....teens are notoriously unstable, emotionally and hormonally. These games do not need to be in the hands of America's teens, or any teens, for that matter. It's proven that these things desensitize people to violence and make it almost seem like the norm. Here's an interesting thought -- there seems to be emerging a high tendency for middle-class, white suburban boys to be prone to mass acts of violence -- could this be that these boys are the most likely to play violent video games? Interesting thought. Granted, these kids are most likely messed up anyway, but what they need is therapy, not fuel for their damn fire, which is what they will find in these games.
Remember the 2 worst people around generally are lawyers and politicians. Lawyers who do whatever it takes to win for their client, and politicians who do whatever it takes to stay in office.
Why shouldn't video game producers have the right to create any game they wish? These games are no more violent or sadistic than some films and books. One persons pleasure is another's pain, and the rating guide exists for this reason, if the individual chooses to ignore it, that is their problem, no one is forcing their hand. And if the children playing are the worry, why arn't the parents the ones being questioned, and not the producers? Stop laying so much blame on creative types who are pushing the limits and look instead to the parents who are not doing their jobs.
kittylady, I didnt say gamers go out and kill people, I said, how is pretending to kill people fun and entertaining? I feel it is sick and twisted no matter who you are. Of course, you are going to tell you selves otherwise, because you enjoy it and it appeals to you. It does not to me and that is what I am saying and what I believe. That is my view and I am entitled to it as you are yours. End of story....
Videogames do not create violent children, but apathetic and incompetent parents do. Why don’t politicians make a big deal about bad parenting? Simple, video game makers are much easier targets and Washington really realy likes making things easy for themselves.
.I would like to point out that these games are not rated for kids so don't buy or sell them for/to kids there is a reason a game says 17+.
Hitler, Vald, Napolean, Gacy, Dalhmer and Bush were not raised on video games. I would blame thier parents. Todays parents have a scape gioat. How nice. I will buy the game the day it comes out.