Violence and games; why this should be a positive for the industry

Digitally Downloaded writes: "So here's the dangerous idea I'm going to suggest; it's time for the games industry to admit that it can be dangerous. Just like film can be dangerous. Just like a serial killer might own some particularly nasty books, it's time for the games industry to mature and admit that it's a part of the world. In other words; it's time for the games industry to admit that it is making art, and art is sometimes associated with bad things happening in the world. And that this is, on balance, a good thing because the games industry will also inspire some of the greatest thinkers over the next couple of hundred years."

[DigitalSmoke]

Violence Sexism or even Racism, they all belong in movies, and so do should they in video games.
End of story.

Now all you butthurt pussies/feminists or racial excuse muppets should just start your own company's and make some counter products, instead of trying to nerf and poison the industry "we" made and love.

[MidnightSpecial]

That was actually a very good article, though I'm not sure I agree with a couple of points.

I do however agree with the fact that, as games are capable of stirring emotions through visual impact and clever story telling, then they are also capable of stirring negative emotions and reactions. We all have ultimate responsibility to ourselves and our actons though, so the concept of 'blame' is a shoddy one.

And I dont think many retailers sell COD to 10 year olds - due to the age rating it's illegal and lands them heavy fines. The problem here is parents deciding to ignore the age rating, or not communicating with their children properly.

Perhaps as games become more readily recognised as art, then this might hopefully change

[joab777]

I agree with you. Great article and parents need to be parents. Unfortunately, that is trending down and games take the blame for a few gone bad.

[MattS]

Thank you for the kind comment - I'm the author of the piece.

I'd like to hear what you disagree with - healthy debate around this topic would be really great, as its an important one, and there's no one right perspective.

Obviously I would love it if you could take the time to post your opinions on the article as well - it would help balance the ideas out if there were some alternative ones on there :)

Thanks!

Matt

[palaeomerus]

Encouraging the people trying to exploit a tragedy to expand their own political power based on the demonstrably false premise that more laws (regulating mental health screening, gun purchases, video game content etc,) automatically means more security at the supposedly reasonable cost of consumer freedom is a very bad idea. Slap them down and do it fast unless you want the USA to be like Germany or Australia. Criminals generally don't obey laws and law abiding people generally don't commit murder.