So I just replied to a topic on video game violence on a message board I frequent, and I thought I would post it up here, since violent video games are very much in the media spotlight at the moment, and I want to express my opinion on the topic:

Personally, video games make up a huge part of my life. The PhD I’m about to do for the next three years is heavily involving video games. I play violent games all the time. They don’t affect me in any negative aggressive way (other than frustration, which can even be caused by Pacman), but I think that the defensive attitude most gamers have towards the games vs violence debate is a bit naive.

Whilst video games, for the majority of people, do not cause extreme violent behaviour, it is silly to think that certain extreme games will have no negative effects on kids. There are obviously kids who are easily influenced, and either a video game, movie, violent cartoon, or hell even aggressive music could have an impact on that kids behaviour. I know for sure that I wouldn’t want my kids going near Manhunt until I felt they were mature and responsible enough to handle it. Same goes for GTA, Gears of War, etc. However I don’t believe that means that mature adult gamers should suffer, and I guess this is why a lot of gamers get defensive when people like Jack Thompson go blaming incidents like V-Tech on games within a mere couple of hours of the incident occurring (my opinion is that Jack Thompson is an idiot with an agenda which has gone to his head, and now feels the need to go after games at any given opportunity regardless of the facts). This is where the rating system comes in, and where retailers and parents need to take some responsibility, rather than immediately outcrying the evils of games.

From my own personal experiences of being in game stores, as well as knowing people who work in game retail stores, it is scary how many parents are totally oblivious to information shown on the cover of a game. Firstly, the number of parents who are asked by the sales assistant “This game is for Xbox 360, do you have an Xbox 360?”, to which the parent replies “oh no my son has a Playstation 2, will that not work on it?” is scary. So a parent can neither read the huge text at the top of the game indicating the format of the game, nor comprehend how games work on different systems. Now, if they can’t read the system text at the top, what hope is there for them taking notice of the ESRB rating at the bottom of the box? Parents need to have an active interest in their kids hobbies; know what ratings are, what they mean, and what is appropriate for your kid. Don’t go blaming Rockstar games when your 11 year old starts trying to mow down hookers at 2am after drinking a quarter bottle of vodka and stealing your car after playing Vice City.

It isn’t just parents. I have seen kids who are obviously under the required age for the game, being sold the title by games stores. Retailers have just as much responsibility to ensure that the ratings are adhered to. Ratings are there for a reason, just like the age restrictions on cigarettes, alcohol, matchsticks, and films. I know right now in the US there is a bill trying to be passed to make it a felony to sell games to minors where not appropriate.

Manhunt 2 is a pretty extreme case, as it involves mimicking murder with the Wiimote, such as strangulation and whacking someone. On one hand I think the ban on it is definitely a good thing, as I wouldn’t want any kid under 18 playing that game. On the other hand, I don’t like associations judging what I, as a responsible adult gamer, can or can not play.

So for the past two weeks, the majority of people in our street have been being awakened by the calls of these guys:

We have no idea where they came from, but it looks like they’ve found comfort in awakening us all at 4am, which isn’t a good thing when you stay up until 3am playing video games.

So here’s another video, much like the previous Hitler video, except this time showing Sony’s PS3 waging war against Nintendo’s Wii using footage from the Star Wars films. Pretty bias against Sony though.

I found this pretty hilarious…
Warning: Contains explicit language.

Well this video presents a nice explanation…

And so it begins… freedom! My exams are done, project interviews completed, and results pending. In the mean time, I’ve pretty much been playing games solid, as well as fixing a few computers here and there. Currently, Oblivion is definitely eating up the majority of the time. Being a huge fan of Morrowind (Oblivion’s prequel), I couldn’t wait to dive into Oblivion. Originally I bought it for the PC, prior to buying my Xbox 360. Due to other commitments I never really got more than 10 hours into the PC version, and as my PC gaming habits faded due to my Xbox 360, I eventually decided the sell the PC version and substitute it for the Xbox 360 version. After all, regardless of what anyone says, achievements do entice you to play a game more. Other games further down the summer playlist include:

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Pokemon Diamond [DS] – I admit I used to be a Pokemon hater. I was one of those guys who’d only ever seen the annoying cartoon, never played the games, and hated the freakin sight of a Pikachu. That said, I just couldn’t ignore the hype on the new Pearl/Diamond Pokemon games on the DS, and so I decided to grab a copy of the Diamond version. So far I’m still learning the ropes, but it definitely has the addiction factor. Just not as addicitive as Oblivion for now.

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Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 [DS] – Osu!! Well to anyone that knows me, its no surprise that this is on my playlist. Having loved the original Ouendan, and then the American counterpart, Elite Beat Agents, another sequel is a welcome addition. Seriously, if you’ve never played these games you are truly missing out on a great fun rhythm game that only the DS could do so well.

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Picross [DS] – An addictive puzzle game which provides a more relaxing alternative to Sudoku. Admittedly this is more of a game for travelling or toilet stops, but its still awesome nevertheless. Also provides some great multiplayer features, such as creating your own puzzles and sharing them with your friends, as well as a traditional multiplayer battle.

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Crackdown [360] – Having only purchased this recently, I still have as yet to play it. Admittedly the Halo 3 beta was another factor in my purchase of it, but regardless I still enjoyed the demo, a lot more than I would a GTA game.

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God of War I / II [PS2] – Another recent classic that I need to, and will (hopefully), get round to.

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Final Fantasy XI [360] – So me and a mate have chosen this as our online summer game, since his PC is too crappy to run World of Warcraft or any other decent MMO. I just wish I knew it took up 6gb of the 360 hard drive before I purchased it!

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Final Fantasy VII [PSOne] – For shame, this is still on my to do list. I will get there, though.

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Earth Defence Force [360] – Cheap and cheerful fun. I really want to complete this, admittedly partly for the great achievement points!

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Zelda: Twilight Princess [Wii] – Yep, still have half of this to complete too.

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Colin McRae: DiRT [360] – I’m pretty broke for this summer period, but this will still be an essential purchase for me.

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Other possible titles to add to the list include:

• Kororinpa [Wii]
• Dead Rising [360]
• Rainbow Six Vegas [360]
• Ninja Gaiden Black [Xbox]

And some more online slaying on Gears of War and Halo 2 will no doubt be on the cards here and there too.