Protect the children

[Grammatron]

Because it pushes the idea that gamers and video games are deviant and lacking morality. Rockstar, as of late, has also spewed out Manhunt and State of Emergency which are basically more violence and in the case of the latter, a poor man's GTA. I'm not under the impression that the GTAs have blazed any new ground past having "open ended gameplay." It's all the same and with crappy graphics to top.

It's like Madden only with more violence and sex. Rockstar pushes the envelope and makes money while churning out the same crap.

So personally, as a gamer, I feel that they're a black eye publicly and within the game community they're not setting much of an example for innovation or taste. Frankly, I was over GTA pretty quickly. Might have had something to do with being introduced to Halo. Not sure.

(To be truthful, the innovation complaint can be aired about a lot of folks. It's just that they really do make ^%$@ and it's that which gets the attention.)

Hi I'm derailing this topic to game-bash LostAngeles

You're talking about innovative game play and you mention Halo? While not a bad game I wouldn't call it innovative.

It doesn't have to be an art project. GTA:SA is fun with a fun atmosphere, yeah it's pretty mindless at times but it's fun and that's the key to any entertainment medium.

This ends the derail, now back to the topic.

If anything I think RA loses and we win because the ratings get exposed for the pointless system that it is. I've never bought a game based on ratings.

 

[LostAngeles]

Cool, thanks for the reply. I get your point now. I TOTALLY misunderstood what you meant before.

That's fine. Like I had said, I had been writing a post and then scrapped it because a) it wasn't coming out the way I wanted it to b) it was hella long and c) I didn't think most of y'all were gamers. I know Bruce and Mrs. Bruce as as bad as I and my love, but I don't know about the rest of you.

Anyway, the result was that I pulled a few bits and pieces from what I had left in my head. So it isn't always complete and I tell you this happens more than you know.

But you're welcome.

 

[Calee]

I haven't seen the "x-rated" GTA stuff, but I am curious if it is any worse than the "Nude Patch" that is available for The Sims. If I remember correctly, The Sims is rated "teen" (could be wrong, but I know it's not rated "Mature").

I love Walmart. You can buy a gun, a video game/movie full of blood, guts 'n gore, but DON'T expect to buy a Zappa CD, or anything with sexual connotations.

 

[LostAngeles]

I haven't seen the "x-rated" GTA stuff, but I am curious if it is any worse than the "Nude Patch" that is available for The Sims. If I remember correctly, The Sims is rated "teen" (could be wrong, but I know it's not rated "Mature").

I love Walmart. You can buy a gun, a video game/movie full of blood, guts 'n gore, but DON'T expect to buy a Zappa CD, or anything with sexual connotations.

Yep, it is. There's full frontal nudity and simulated intercourse. (No penetration shots, no money shots, no male gentalia.)

 

[Calee]

I downloaded a video of the "Hot Coffee" scenes. Yeah, more graphic than the Sims "nude" patch.

I still think that people should be more upset about the Sims, as this is a game marketed as fairly family friendly.

 

[Antiquehunter]

On the topic of whether or not someone is a good parent or not if they allow their young child to play a 'mature' video game...

I have an opinion - even though I'm not a parent (I'm barely responsible enough to look after a cat).

I think its a call that only a parent can make given the intellectual and emotional development of their child. If a parent feels their kid can handle the sorts of issues raised by a game like GTA in a parentally-controlled environment, then I say they should be able to go for it.

Many of my friends have kids 5 - 7 years old, and they vary dramatically in regards to their intellectual/emotional development and capacity. I think it would be a very interesting discussion with a 6 year old to explain why playing a game where your character is stealing and killing people can be fun, but that it is crucial to understand that these acts are horribly, horribly wrong. If they can make that fantasy/reality distinction, then watching a 'mature' movie or playing a violent game should be the call of the parent. Most kids are natural role-players.

I suspect that when one makes something taboo, it simply encourages sneaking around. Like putting the cookie jar up on the top shelf, kids will often find a sneaky way (sometimes dangerous!) to retrieve the goal.

My two bits worth.

(FYI - I would never let my 3 year old cats play GTA. It would warp their tiny little minds and lead them down the path to perdition.)

 

[nightwind]

Sims

The sims is about the lamest game I have seen. Doubt that its going to inspire anyone to go out and have sex. Sheesh.

Even with the no blur patch it's lame.

Good grief big deal.