Ken Levine on tackling social issues: Games should not be 'restricted to a certain set of topics'

JS:Along with being the President of Irrational Games, Ken Levine wears the hat of creative director and lead writer on the developer's projects. Speaking with Joystiq, Levine made it clear that he doesn't subscribe to the notion that video games should be restricted from tackling any sensitive issues.

[NYC_Gamer]

It's time that games get the same respect as other forms of entertainment when dealing with subject matters

[Dovahkiin]

Namely mature topics like sexual content and violence. Books and films do it just as often and in just as much detail, yet only games are criticized for it. It's one thing that has never made sense to me.

[Blacklash93]

That likely comes from games being interactive. Movies and TV shows are typically criticized far more often than books for "going too far" on things because they are a visual medium, along similar lines. Some parents find mature content obscene and many don't want their kids being exposed to it.

Thing is, if you don't like it don't involve yourself with it. If you don't want your kids to be exposed to it, don't let them. Be responsible, these age ratings on everything exist for a reason.

[ApolloTheBoss]

Because society views video games as the "kid's play thing". Only when people start to see games for what they truly are will that begin to change.

[Blacklash93]

I hope the religious themes aren't a retread. Magic girl tied to the city's fate who is worshipped by a cult led by her corrupt parent while the protagonist trying to rescue her is being branded as some sort of demon? That sounds like the basic plot of Bioshock 2 all over again, not that I don't acknoledge Infinite has a lot more going on than that.

On another note, I don't think videogames have censored much at all in dealing with certain topics. Rather developers just don't want to take the risks involved. I really admire devs like IG for not being afraid to gaming beyond its usual comfort zone.

[rezzah]

This is interesting, all creations of humans contain part of their creator. Expression is silenced by normality so it would be nice to lift a bit of that burden and see what people can reveal about themselves.

[-GametimeUK-]

I would love to see some really controversial subject matter included in games. Subject matter that is not for shock value, but included to enhance the experience. I don't particularly care if they include these elements as cut-scenes or as in game commands where you have full control.

I find it very hard to be shocked, offended or insulted by any game, movie or book etc. I know there are many like me who appreciate peoples creations for what they are. The problem is that every single person has a line and it is a very thin one at that. Racism, extreme violence, sex etc etc are such touchy subjects in games and I really don't understand why they are. Explore everything. I am even okay at the fact Rapelay exists... its not hurting anyone... I don't care there are mindless racist games out there either... These games don't suit my taste so I avoid them completely.

Its that simple.

[SolidGear3]

In other words, to each their own. +1

[noorbert]

If only more people like Levine were making games.

[SolidGear3]

Ken Levine is definitely up their with the likes of David Cage and Hideo Kojima.

[WeAreLegion]

Absolutely. Some people were born to tell stories.

[Yodagamer]

It's not that their restricted, but people simply don't talk about it because they feel awkward about it. Especially when it comes to video games, which unfairly always gets the bad rap compared to films or books that show the same amount of violence, or even using social issues as a plot point.

[daclynk]

Where is Mika i dont see her around to comment.

[SageHonor]

He's right. Gotta love passionate developers

[SageHonor]

Double post