Group Cites Growing Video Game Violence

I agree. It isn't as though Hollywood is going to stop making R-rated movies, and video game companies aren't going to stop making M-rated games. And nor should they -- there are plenty of adults who want to play those kinds of games, and that's between them and the manufacturer. It falls upon parents to be aware of what their kids are doing in their leisure time, and unfortunately, so many parents these days just treat television and video games as virtual babysitters -- their kid isn't going to be out on crack or joining gangs or whatever it is parents are scared of, because they're right at home playing video games. But what parents' don't want to face up to is the sort of trend, or the habits, that video games are instilling in their children.

Play video games with your kids.

Truer words were never spoken.

And not just to see what it is they're playing. Play with them just to play with them. What kids want as much as anything is some company from an adult who cares about them, who's willing to see what it is that's important to them. Too many "parents" are too busy with their own activities and interests to be truly interested in their kids!

Parent Alert! Games to Avoid for your Children and Teens

Yes, parents, don't give your 8-year-old games that were specifically crafted for adults and have been rated to reflect that. Thank goodness we have watchdog groups to let us know this important info.

I do think this group could have done a better job of presentation but I will say this: they are not calling for these games to be banned, just advocating that parents pay close attention to the games content. As I think most rationale people do (i.e. - not Jack Thompson), this responsibility lies with the parents.

One of the fundamental shifts we need to have happen is the understanding that clearly not all games are for children (more to the point: gaming isn't just for kids!); just as not all books, comics, movies, or music is for children. The latter portions of entertainment are well understood (mostly) and this needs to be applied to gaming. Providing information to parents to get this point across is important. The real problem is that many parents just don't understand that not every video game out there is meant for 10-year-olds.

Again, I think this should be the goal of a group such as this: Manhunt 2 and Super Mario Galaxy may be on the same game console, but that does not mean they have the same target audience; just as a theater can show both Sweeney Todd and Bee Movie but they don't have the same target audience. I have no problem with parents getting this information, though I don't think we should be doing it with thinly veiled insults to the gaming industry as somehow trying corrupt our children (though I realize that will likely never actually go away, just as it hasn't for movies or books). Therefore, let's have less watchdog groups for game creators and more groups to help educate parents on what the modern game industry is: a massive entertainment industry which caters to all ages and interests.

I think you just need to walk around more. People curse all of the time and for no real reason. I curse around certain people. I try my hardest to not curse around little kids, religious figures and others.