Should I Be Aloud?

Cunny-Funt

Its mad seeing all the posts saying "I played gta at bla bla age and I'm ok"

Of course you are, its just a game. It pisses me off that theres still so much ignorance about games and gaming that people still have to talk about it like that.

Seeing someone get the **** kicked out of them in a film with a baseball bat is different on so many levels compared to playing a video game... and in that game controlling a character with a baseball bat, hitting people etc.

Games, even with their fancy graphics are still around the level of cartoon violence, if not even under it due to the fact that the player is controlling a character. Its hard for those who don't play games to understand this.

Would your mother let you watch a film like say Pulp Fiction? If so then she is seriously off the wall saying you cant play a game.

Its not the violence in video games that parents should be worried about for their young kids. Its the addictiveness.


Personally, I would not let my kid play a game like world of warcraft at 14 years old.

Numina

Ok, I said yes to the OP a few pages back. I got to play the game today, and I'm changing my answer to no. Frankly, some parts of the gameplay are just disturbing (stabbing anyone?)

It's 18's for a reason, but if you want it that badly, you'll get your hands on it eventually anyway..

ShooterSF

Wow Im only at page seven of this and I can't withold my disgust! Look if we're talking the law then no, but in a common sense discussion why not? People saying the game has changed, thats crap, you can't remember killing hookers in GTA1? Any why is killing hookers worse that killing officers of the law? (Which you always could do) And unlike any other GTA this game ACTUALLY includes a touch of conscience and moral questioning unlike the previous mindless versions.

Grainne how shileded were you as a kid. If its the same as all those other things you've mentioned, tell me you never drank under 18, watched porn, had sex or seen an over 18 movie?
Because if you do I actually pity you, you've missed out on your adolescence.

At the end of the day its just a game. Violent? Yes but sure so is the news these days.

I have a 17 year old lil sister Im pretty protective about and even when she was younger Id prefer her sitting infront of the tv at night playing a drunken violent character than being out on the streets bored and with 60quid to spend on other things.

georgiemcgrane

ShooterSF wrote: »

Grainne how shileded were you as a kid. If its the same as all those other things you've mentioned, tell me you never drank under 18, watched porn, had sex or seen an over 18 movie?
Because if you do I actually pity you, you've missed out on your adolescence.

At the end of the day its just a game. Violent? Yes but sure so is the news these days.

I have a 17 year old lil sister Im pretty protective about and even when she was younger Id prefer her sitting infront of the tv at night playing a drunken violent character than being out on the streets bored and with 60quid to spend on other things.

Im gonna go ahead and presume that "Grainne" is your reference to me ! - First of all - I can assure you that I didnt miss out on my adolescence, Im giving an honest open opinion to a query by some a 14yr old about weather he should be allowed this game my answer is NO, for all the reasons that Im not going to go into AGAIN.The difference between me an you (other than the fact your wrong) is that I can do that without making acusations against the other people, questioning their quality of life or how they have lived their life. I cant believe you read through the whole forum and came out the other side of it with an argument like "Its just a game - and the NEWS is violent". If you feel so strongly about it, go wear a sign saying "Will Buy GTA4 For Minors - No Fee - No Fuss" and go stand outside Game or HMV. Fight the good fight man. !:cool:.

123

pity the poor fools who's parents dont let them buy this game or watch over 18s movies etc
Luckily for me, When i was 14 i actually looked over 20 years old
Bought all the GTA games and various other 18s games/movies with no fuss.
Parents dont mind at all really, its not as if im a psycho who is going to actually believe that i can just bring out a gun and shoot everthing i see in really life.


Parents who do are just overprotective and fussy.

Cunny-Funt

georgiemcgrane wrote: »

Im gonna go ahead and presume that "Grainne" is your reference to me ! - First of all - I can assure you that I didnt miss out on my adolescence, Im giving an honest open opinion to a query by some a 14yr old about weather he should be allowed this game my answer is NO, for all the reasons that Im not going to go into AGAIN.The difference between me an you (other than the fact your wrong) is that I can do that without making acusations against the other people, questioning their quality of life or how they have lived their life. I cant believe you read through the whole forum and came out the other side of it with an argument like "Its just a game - and the NEWS is violent". If you feel so strongly about it, go wear a sign saying "Will Buy GTA4 For Minors - No Fee - No Fuss" and go stand outside Game or HMV. Fight the good fight man. !:cool:.

Your argument is just as bad as his. Can you honestly tell me you didn't do/watch anything that was "18's and over" when you were in your early teens?

The whole 18s thing is not there to protect the kids. Its for the company's to protect themselves from ignorant and mindless parents. (not talking about you lol)

My parents were not too silly about the 18s thing, although they were typical parents when it came to films with sex scenes, I saw terminator 1 when I was 7 years old. But there was always a part of the film that mysteriously changed to golf for about 1 minute (it was taped from TV)

About 8 years later I realised it was the cheesy love scene when I just so happened to see it on tv lol.

But there was one film they would not let me see because it was "too scary for them, so it would obviously be WAAAAAAY too scary for me"

And that was Alien 3. Of course I'd seen the trailer and all the posters. So my imagination ran WILD resulting in nightmares and such.

All of which stopped when I sneakily watched the movie. Which didn't impress me that much. (I loved the 1st too though. ) A kids imagination is far more powerful then hollywood.

& video games have even less impact due to being in control.

The desensitisation crap annoys me too. For example, this bollocks of kids not telling the difference between reality and video games is utter bs.

If I spent all day blowing peoples heads off in bla bla video game, does that mean if I'm in a bar and the guy beside me gets his head blown off by some armed thugs I won't be affected? Utter stupidity for anyone who thinks that.

Ive been watching "violent" movies since I was a kid and played GTA when I was a teenager and I can tell you watching a video of holocaust victums or kids with their skin falling off in vietnam effects me deeply.

With that said, the guy DOES have a point when he says the news is more violent. You can have all the video game blood you want, it does not have a THING, a ****ing THING on the image of a SPECK of blood in real life, be it on the news or whatever.

123 wrote: »

Parents dont mind at all really, its not as if im a psycho who is going to actually believe that i can just bring out a gun and shoot everthing i see in really life.


Parents who do are just overprotective and fussy.

WTF? Parents who believe that should be locked up for being INSANE

georgiemcgrane

Cunny-Funt wrote: »

The desensitisation crap annoys me too. For example, this bollocks of kids not telling the difference between reality and video games is utter bs.

If I spent all day blowing peoples heads off in bla bla video game, does that mean if I'm in a bar and the guy beside me gets his head blown off by some armed thugs I won't be affected? Utter stupidity for anyone who thinks that.

Ive been watching "violent" movies since I was a kid and played GTA when I was a teenager and I can tell you watching a video of holocaust victums or kids with their skin falling off in vietnam effects me deeply.

With that said, the guy DOES have a point when he says the news is more violent. You can have all the video game blood you want, it does not have a THING, a ****ing THING on the image of a SPECK of blood in real life, be it on the news or whatever.

First off man - your opinion doesnt really matter, the game is rated 18's same as Alien 3 was (would have been a better movie if the studio's hadnt got their hand around David Fincher's throat) so you can argue all you want but its the law. Not that I like it any more than any on else, but by in large, its there for the good of society. Now there is some major blips worth noticing, they can change the law when it suits them, Michael Collins was given a 12 cert here because of historical importance, that was full of killing and bad language as well. Just didnt have Aliens bursting out of peoples stomach. But u just cant make statements like this "desesitising crap annoys me" cause your simply one person, the law is trying to protect everyone. Theres been plenty of studys to backup the idea that childrens upbringing and enviroment has a deep impact on the person they grow up to become. Im not saying that "this video game will destroy someones future", no such thing, but the culmination of all the little efforts that go towards protecting children and maintaining a safe suitable enviroment might help them. Im glad that "watching a video of holocaust victums or kids with their skin falling off in vietnam effects you" it should everyone, but the difference between that and the subject at hand is a little different. A video game might not cause any damage - but come on - when your banging a hooker in the park and she's screaming "F**K the Sh*t outta it - oh yea - grab my tit*ys", you think that a 14yr old should be playing a game with that content? - The fact that I have to MASK what im writing or else boards.ie will end up banning me already tells me that im cencored, cause heavan forbid I MIGHT offend someone with words.

I can have a laugh at it, And Rockstar - bless em, they put it into the game cause they know their audience's sense of humor, but also because they accepted from the start that it was going to be targeted at mature people over a cetain age. Wrt - The news being more violent, you have to at least compare like with like, were discusing entertainment media here, not real life. So moves, tv shows video games - yea, the news and vietnam, dont really apply, IMO !

Nailz

Are you from INFACT or someone like that???

ShaneU

Who brought Mr. Conservatism to the party?

Nailz

I don't know? But IMO he making too much off an argument of it, I stopped reading half way down...

Predhead

Firstly forget what some of the half wits in here say; I could go into many reasons why they're bitter cos you're mam could buy it for you but I won't...

..bottom line, regardless of the fact it's 18's - you're still allowed to play it, just not to buy it yourself, therefore relying on the discretion of your parents (maybe legally wrong but still I've a point). It's up to them at the end of the day. I personally would let you, but it would depend on the type of kid you are. Obviously if you're not doing well in school and always in trouble then I wouldn't but...You seem OK. I've been watching every and any kind of horror film since I was 8 years old and I turned out OK! Video games aren't to blame for societies wrongs, society and people are. Not every nut is gonna go out jackin' cars and shooting people just because they play GTA. For some it'd probably give them and idea and if they did it, they'd blame the game to take some heat off their own insane issues.

A bit long winded and probably stupid, but it's opinion!

georgiemcgrane

Nailz wrote: »

I don't know? But IMO he making too much off an argument of it, I stopped reading half way down...

Then u have no right to contributeto the argument - another example of ignorance, not an excuse !

Cunny-Funt

georgiemcgrane wrote: »

but come on - when your banging a hooker in the park and she's screaming "F**K the Sh*t outta it - oh yea - grab my tit*ys", you think that a 14yr old should be playing a game with that content?

omfg :rolleyes: Sensationalism ftw, you remind me of someone. But lets pretend this does happen in the game. It would have to be one HELL of a sheltered 14 year old to be socked from hearing those words. Chances are the kid would be laughing his or her arse off.

Nailz wrote: »

Are you from INFACT or someone like that???

Just what I was thinking.

My comparison to the news/ shocking RL stuff effecting me/other people is a response to your theory that playing GTA4 at 14 results in being desensitised to violence.

I noticed you dodged this question

Can you honestly tell me you didn't do/watch anything that was "18's and over" when you were in your early teens?

Unless your answer is YES, then your a hypocrite.

nige1982

I have been playing games for the last 10 years or so, since I was 15 i dont see any thing wrong woth playing it, its not as if the GTAs have made me go rob cars, kil people etc. (well thats what my doctor said haha) if you watch violent movies whats the difference, but it is compleaty up to your parent and just think about it in 4 years time you wont want to play it cause GTA7 will be out , what i used to do to get around my mam is do some house work smooth hear over and then drop the question "will you buy me GTA Please!!!"

Don1

Just a little aside. I'm 25 now and have been playing violent games and watchin films countaining blood/gore etc for years. Although I don't go around stealing cars and beating the stuffing out of people I have noticed that I am very desensitised to violence/tragedy etc.
It takes something really nasty to make me flinch now and I know in my heart that that's not just growing up, its exposure related.
GTA for 14 is a bit much imo as a result, particularly GTA IV in all its next gen glory. GTA I and II are a different category of game too. When we were playing "violent over 18s" games at a young age the graphics etc. were nowhere near real and were less offensive than Itchy & Scratchy tbh.

georgiemcgrane

Cunny-Funt wrote: »

omfg :rolleyes: Sensationalism ftw, you remind me of someone. But lets pretend this does happen in the game. It would have to be one HELL of a sheltered 14 year old to be socked from hearing those words. Chances are the kid would be laughing his or her arse off.


My comparison to the news/ shocking RL stuff effecting me/other people is a response to your theory that playing GTA4 at 14 results in being desensitised to violence.

I noticed you dodged this question



Unless your answer is YES, then your a hypocrite.

Im sick of trying to make a point on here, People responding are taking what Im saying too literally or just missing my point altogether. Also - Im not dodging any question, I dont work for INFACT. I think its funny that its not good enough for you to make a point or argument from the other side of the fense without attacking me as part of your argument, calling me a hypocrite has no bearing on this discussion and Im not willing to bring in my personal experience as part of my argument, I can form and project an opinion without making it personal.

I dont care what you think or do, seriously If thats what you feel is appropriate for kids then all the best, I dont think its suitable for reasons Ive said too many times.

In the mean time, Im actually really enjoying the game.

georgiemcgrane

Don1 wrote: »

Just a little aside. I'm 25 now and have been playing violent games and watchin films countaining blood/gore etc for years. Although I don't go around stealing cars and beating the stuffing out of people I have noticed that I am very desensitised to violence/tragedy etc.
It takes something really nasty to make me flinch now and I know in my heart that that's not just growing up, its exposure related.
GTA for 14 is a bit much imo as a result, particularly GTA IV in all its next gen glory. GTA I and II are a different category of game too. When we were playing "violent over 18s" games at a young age the graphics etc. were nowhere near real and were less offensive than Itchy & Scratchy tbh.

Wow - someone finally not using the "Ive been playing violent games and im fine routine" - Good post chief !

cabrwab

TO the OP has he played it yet. While i can agree with both sides of the argument i would rather him playing it with his parents permission, then playing it in a friends house.

He is going to play it at some point. I do know the feeling of wanting something and not being able to buy it yourself we all do. Wait until you've got the money! I have the game haven't had a chance to play it properly yet, but it is more real then the previous versions, but still a computer game.

Society always finds something to blame for Lunatic killers, "Rock and Roll", Rap music, Marlen Manson, Films, now computer games.

"Films dont make serial killers, they just make them creative!"

The game is 18's to make people know its violent, its immorally wrong, like movies, most people have the brians to tell the difference between TV/Films/games and reality.
If you don't your already evil!

ShooterSF

georgiemcgrane wrote: »

calling me a hypocrite has no bearing on this discussion and Im not willing to bring in my personal experience as part of my argument, I can form and project an opinion without making it personal.

Erm "Grainne" that's a pretty good definition of the word "hypocrite". Someone who has no problem being lil miss morally morally yet completely disregards their own personal actions when making said arguments.
Though there's little point continuing a debate wit ya on this one, cause unlike the others here I don't think your a member of INFACT. I think giving the answer you did above to being accused of being a hypocrite you're more likely a politician
It just sickens me that every generation makes the same loops. When we were under 18 most of us got away with things that a lot adults thought were unsuitable but we knew they were being stupidly paranoid but then at some point in peoples twenty's they become the same paranoid adults whinging bout games/tv shows/music etc thats just not suitable for the lil uns. Look we werent that naive back then you can be damn sure they're not either today.

Oh and one last thing. YES WE KNOW IT'S THE LAW. Im not arguing whether or not its the law. Im arguing whether or not it SHOULD be. God forbid free speech or opinions though.

georgiemcgrane

ShooterSF wrote: »

Erm "Grainne" that's a pretty good definition of the word "hypocrite". Someone who has no problem being lil miss morally morally yet completely disregards their own personal actions when making said arguments.

Oh and one last thing. YES WE KNOW IT'S THE LAW. Im not arguing whether or not its the law. Im arguing whether or not it SHOULD be. God forbid free speech or opinions though.

Im not lil miss morally morally ! - Im not disregarding my own personal actions. Look, Im 30, Ive changed a lot over the yrs and I know how different a person I am now from when I was 14 or 18 or even 25 for that matter. Im top of the queue for something like GTA4 when its out I just dont feel its content is suitable to a 14yr old. Im sorry If I came across a little preachy ! - wasnt my intention, I just feel that socitey has a responsability to protect its most important asset - its kids, some adults do a fairly lousy job of it and some do a great one, but when it comes to whats deemed propper and suitable, guidelines are given out because not all people are savy about what their kids are listening to or playing. So when they see that little 18's stamp they know - this is there for a reason. Im not trying to say that GTA will corrupt the youth or make them steal cars n kill people, and im not sayin that they wont be able to tell the difference between right or wrong, - ive made my point over and over, so i wont repeat it, if u disagree - Fine.

One thing I am correct about is that a child at 14yrs old has not got the level of maturity needed to have such content wash off em in an instant the same way as it does an adult. weather they imitate through language or interpritation, that content affects them differently than it would me or any other mature adult. To what extent depends on the individual. So Im throwing up a white flag here, I accept people feel strongly about this and I take on board that nobody likes being told what to do.

Biro

Don1 wrote: »

Just a little aside. I'm 25 now and have been playing violent games and watchin films countaining blood/gore etc for years. Although I don't go around stealing cars and beating the stuffing out of people I have noticed that I am very desensitised to violence/tragedy etc.
It takes something really nasty to make me flinch now and I know in my heart that that's not just growing up, its exposure related.
GTA for 14 is a bit much imo as a result, particularly GTA IV in all its next gen glory. GTA I and II are a different category of game too. When we were playing "violent over 18s" games at a young age the graphics etc. were nowhere near real and were less offensive than Itchy & Scratchy tbh.

Good post, no arguing with that! I don't think that video games or films make serial killers or thieves, but I do think that being so desensitised to violence isn't a good thing.

Big_Mac

georgiemcgrane wrote: »

Im not lil miss morally morally ! - Im not disregarding my own personal actions. Look, Im 30, Ive changed a lot over the yrs and I know how different a person I am now from when I was 14 or 18 or even 25 for that matter. Im top of the queue for something like GTA4 when its out I just dont feel its content is suitable to a 14yr old. Im sorry If I came across a little preachy ! - wasnt my intention, I just feel that socitey has a responsability to protect its most important asset - its kids, some adults do a fairly lousy job of it and some do a great one, but when it comes to whats deemed propper and suitable, guidelines are given out because not all people are savy about what their kids are listening to or playing. So when they see that little 18's stamp they know - this is there for a reason. Im not trying to say that GTA will corrupt the youth or make them steal cars n kill people, and im not sayin that they wont be able to tell the difference between right or wrong, - ive made my point over and over, so i wont repeat it, if u disagree - Fine.

One thing I am correct about is that a child at 14yrs old has not got the level of maturity needed to have such content wash off em in an instant the same way as it does an adult. weather they imitate through language or interpritation, that content affects them differently than it would me or any other mature adult. To what extent depends on the individual. So Im throwing up a white flag here, I accept people feel strongly about this and I take on board that nobody likes being told what to do.

I agree Georgie. I think you make your point very well. Agree with what you are saying or not, it makes no difference. It's just your opinion and you are entitled to it. As a parent to be in the next few weeks, I know I don't have the experience to base my decisions on, but I find myself asking these questions. Would I allow my child to play something like this?

Answer - It depends. I'm a responsible adult and I know I can make responsible decisions on what I believe will be best for my children. It all depends on their level of maturity, and law or not it would be my (and my partners) decision to allow our child to play such a game.

Aside: if GTA IV has this level of violence, imagine what games will be like in 14 years?????

NotorietyH

Cunny-Funt wrote: »

Unless your answer is YES, then your a hypocrite.

Not really. If someone had been addicted to heroin, then years later, said that they thought it was bad, that wouldn't make them a hypocrite. The post up above by Don1 shows that. If everyone thought and held the exact same opinions that they had when they were 16, the world would be a pretty ****ed up place.

And before you say anything I'm not saying playing a violent video game is as bad as taking heroin, I'm just using that as an example. I don't really know where I stand on it. Like Don1 I know I'm more desensitised to violence etc. from watching violent movies etc. when I was younger. I don't think I'm a viscious evil person, but I do know it has changed me.

atat23

games shouldn't have an age restriction because they are GAMES, im another person who has been playing GTA since it was first released and from my experience adults and kids alike don't play these games because they want to actually go out and kill people or steal cars and run people over, they want to play it because it is an amazing game which gives you the freedom to do almost anything you want along with a compelling story and a type of humour and playing area that easily captures the imagination and draws you in.

Its a game in which you kill in game characters, yes, it's not going to brainwash your children into killing, most action games involve killing something, I played Mario games for years but I dont get the urge to jump on every turtle I see.

its funny that this guys mother actually lets him play any other game he wants but when it comes to GTA because of its reputation parents automatically say no.

I think I can safely say that most people here watched warner brothers cartoons when they were younger and frequently saw bugs bunny smack elmer fudd around with a giant hammer, you mean to say because we were exposed to this that we are all violent irrational and abusive? Next time you are in front of the tv flick over to cartoon network and watch the powerpuff girls (my brother watches it.....I swear >_>) and watch them kick seven shades out of the bad guys in that, its actually quite violent, blood and teeth go flying, thats was one of the most popular cartoons a while back and yet parents couldnt give a rats ass because it involved cute cartoon characters.
what about all the sexual references in the simpsons? how many children under 14 are allowed to watch that yet the writers can put in sexual references because they think it will go over the heads of the younger audience?

most people think to themselves thats its ok because "they are only cartoons", well GTA is only a game, a fking sweet ass genre defining epic of a game but still..........wait what was my point.....oh yeah, tell you mum to buy it, play it and make up her own mind rather than listening to everyone elses narrow minded opinions on it

ShooterSF

I guess it goes to show that there are two very different views on (on a larger scale) the upbringing of kids. Whether it be shielding them till their "old enough" or "throwing them in the deep end" I guess it just depends on your perspective.
As for the NotorietyH's comment about heroine, I disagree for the simple reason if you did heroine when you were younger it would have had a negative affect on your life and thats why you'd be against in now thats not a hypocrite. If however, and this is purely for comparison purposes, you did heroin while you were younger and it had no effect on you but then you lectured kids today about it thats different. I guess what he's saying is if you did it AND it had no negative affect on you then you can't claim it will on kids today.

NotorietyH

ShooterSF wrote: »

I guess what he's saying is if you did it AND it had no negative affect on you then you can't claim it will on kids today.

Fair enough, good point, but I think from Doc1's post and my own personal experience, it has had a negative effect. Not in a I'm goign to run out and murder prostitutes, or even made me more violent or anything like that, but it has had the impact of desensitising me to violence, and if the wrong type of person does get desensitisied to violence, if they have any sort of violent tendecies themselves, it could heighten them.

As I said I'm not 100% sure where I stand on the issue. I think it is more down to the individual than age. But I think the 18s certificate etc. is a good guideline, and I think that parents should be taking more rsponsibilty on what their kids can and can't watch. Parents should know their kids better than any censor or watchdog and it's up to them to decide if their kid is mature, or stable enough to watch or play violent video games/movies etc. I will say though in reference to the OP's post, I'm glad to see a parent that is actually taking a stand in trying to control exactly what her id is playing/watching, too many parents have such a lax attitude to it, and then cry morale outrage when they hear about a game like Manhunt or something, saying the games shouldn't be sold to children blah blah blah, while in all likelihood while they're on the phone to Jerry Ryan complaining about the game, their kids are upstairs playing the very same game.

It does seem the OP's mother is being slightly hypocritical though if she's let him play other violent video games in the past. But I think Grand Theft Auto unfairly gets labelled as the most violent video game out there, when personally I think COD4 is more violent. So there is that double standard that it's fine to be playing as an soldier blowing the head of Johnny Terrorist, that's acceptable violence, but you can't be doing that if you're a criminal. I think the nihilistic attitude of the GTA games is what draws a lot of the controversy to it.

Well I'm after completely forgetting my point and have probably contradicted myself 3 or 4 times after that long ramble. So I think I'm goign to quit while I'm miles behind.

It's a complicated issue though, and it's one of those one's that you're not going to change someone's opinion on it no matter how much you debate or how clear your points or opinions are. The thread could go on another 1000 pages and I doubt anyone's opinion would change in the slightest.

ShooterSF

NotorietyH wrote: »

It's a complicated issue though, and it's one of those one's that you're not going to change someone's opinion on it no matter how much you debate or how clear your points or opinions are. The thread could go on another 1000 pages and I doubt anyone's opinion would change in the slightest.

To be honest I think thats the truest unarguable point in this thread
I guess it depends on your own experience. As yourself and doc1 say you feel more disensitized (sp?) from previous exposure to violence and that's why your unsure. Personally I think it's inevitable that people will come into contact with violence through some mediums unless you live in a fantasy world and I think regardless of age your mind is programmed to filter it out the more you witness so it doesn't break down into a spiralling depression and instead allow you to carry on your life. So I don't see the point in delaying a possibly necessary (if unfortunate), and definitely inevitable ability.

thebman

georgiemcgrane wrote: »

First off man - your opinion doesnt really matter, the game is rated 18's and its the law.
rant that I don't think contributes anything worthwhile to the discussion removed

So your saying all laws should be obeyed? Because we have plenty of laws that aren't obeyed/enforced with no negative impact on society. There are plenty of idiotic laws too.

Why are retailers selling games to under 18's? Its probably because its quite obvious to everyone that it does no harm :eek: I think most sensible people are aware that pixels don't kill people, people kill people and that your average horror movie contains more graphic violence than GTA given GTA looks like a cartoon at best and is obviously a bunch of rendered pixels Versus people acting out crimes in a movie, sometimes renacting events that have actually occurred :eek: I'm sorry but I don't really think there much in GTA that you won't see in Sex and the City and Terminator 3, one year younger than the OP if I'm correct so maybe he should wait until his next birthday?

I'm sorry but there have always been BS laws, just because its the law doesn't mean it should be obeyed. Ask anyone that drank when they were 17 if they have had serious health problems because they started drinking so young!

I posted my argument earlier on why games don't affect most people and by wrongly saying it is age that determines if someone should play a game or not, the government helps nobody. The people that should not play GTA are people that have problems separating games and movies from the real world. Quite simply there are people of all ages that suffer from such conditions. I firmly believe that the censor system should be enforced so a parent has to buy the game for the child and that it is up to the parent to determine if the child is responsible enough and level headed enough to play the game but I don't believe no person under 18 should play this game. After 18, its up to the person to determine if they should play the game or not and they should accept the responsibility of their own actions at this point. In no way do I support a ban on video games or any content that can be place in computer games. It is up to the consumer to decide if they wish to expose themselves to the content in these games and the parent in the case of a child under 18.

I can have a laugh at it, And Rockstar - bless em, they put it into the game cause they know their audience's sense of humor, but also because they accepted from the start that it was going to be targeted at mature people over a cetain age. Wrt - The news being more violent, you have to at least compare like with like, were discusing entertainment media here, not real life. So moves, tv shows video games - yea, the news and vietnam, dont really apply, IMO !

So you basically admit that in certain situations that the censoring shouldn't be enforced or should be lowered. This is like with like, if anything exposing a child to real life violence is worse than exposing them to recreated violence. I'd argue real life violence is a lot worse than recreated violence but you wouldn't agree with this? I think its much more likely to fook up a child and the research I have read about exposure to violence backs me up on this one. If anything kids should not be allowed watch violent news as its much more likely to negatively affect their development.

thefinalstage

Your should not be alloweed to play it because your not special like the main character...

"Oh,Oh your special"
"I think she understands me"

nealmac

No. Simple answer. You're not old enough. Deal with it.