Most gamers are familiar with the controversy that has surrounded Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the past months. The violent game was used as an example by lawmakers who are worried about the influence these games may have on children. "The last thing we need here in New York is to reinforce a destructive culture of violence and disrespect for the law. Little Johnny should be learning how to read, not how to kill cops," Schumer said. However game makers would argue that these games are not intended for children.
The sale of these "violent" games makes up a huge part of the industries $10 billion in annual U.S. sales. GTA: San Andreas was released in October 2004 and quickly became a best seller. Retailers and console manufacturers try to avoid the controversy of violent games, mainly due to the success of the games. The problema lot of lawmakers have the games is that they seem to get more violent as they go along due to the developers' need to make the games more realistic. 25 to Life features gun battles between police and criminal gangs, in which human shields are used.
The controversy seems very similar to past controversy over violent movies and will likely have a similar outcome.
Source:
Rueters
Written by: James Delahunty @ 21 Jun 2005 22:12
