How do you feel about video game violence and its relationship to murder?
By ulalume
@ulalume (713)
United States
January 22, 2009 1:10pm CST
The title can kind of speak for the discussion. How do you feel about video game violence and do you feel it is related to "real world" violence? This has long been an issue raised in the media. Whether it be parents wanting to ban violent video games, the government wishing to censor this form of media, or the opposing viewpoints coming through the tunnel of information; it is obvious that there are generally two very opposing viewpoints going on here. Interestingly enough, they both are not overly scientifically backed, so I suppose speculation is all that can really be done. I find it easy to understand both sides myself, though I do lean towards there being some relationship between video game violence and real life violence. That is not to say there are not other variables going on, though. I myself even play some violent games occasionally, but can separate myself from the virtual world. The Grand Theft Auto series has been a staple game condemned by those in opposition to violent video games, and I do not understand why. The game is very cartoony, and hardly feels realistic. I had fun playing it, but even though I can kill millions of people in a sitting; it feels like I am just playing Deer Hunter (or something). It lacks an essence of realism that is really necessary to bridge the gap between virtual violence and the violence in the real world. I would like to see how you all feel on here? Are you for it or against it? Why? Do you think it is right to censor these games for everyone? Or is the ratings system sufficient? Also, how would you compare the video game medium to the film industry? Why do films tend to get more slack when it comes to violence, yet video games (generally with significantly less) stirr up controversy?
3 people like this
11 responses
@smurfuk76 (360)
•
22 Jan 09
I sort of consider myself to be part of the playstation generation. I bought a PS1 on day 1 of its UK release and have played every version of video game going. - I must confess I was addicted to Battlefield 2 on PC - Multi-player online modern warfare against online HUMAN combatants. I played this game for 100`s of hours and not once did i ever feel the urge to run up behind someone with a combat knife and slit there throat.
Did no-one watch movies like Rambo? when they were younger. I am of the same opinion as many that have ACTUALLY PLAYED VIOLENT GAMES that if your mindset is to be a killer then yes you will be a killer and a video game would not influence a normal mentally stable person into being violent.
There are just to many variables that make people violent. Would jack the ripper be able to claim that he killed because he had be playing Grand Theft Auto.
Like i say far to many variables in life influence how people behave. Video games and movies get a hard rap! Anyone catch the news tonight........
1 person likes this
@ulalume (713)
• United States
24 Jan 09
I am pretty much agree with with you. I've been playing since Sega Genesis and the original Nintendo came out, but once the Playstation 1 came out the entire world changed. Flash forward not to far to this modern day, and the game differences are really striking. With Call of Duty 4 I have done the same thing online. I think you make a good point that most people damning these games have never really given them a chance. If you look at the media trying to put down these game types, they usually choose the most gorey-over the top scenes to represent all of these games, like a cutscene from Gears of War or something (which is more black humor than anything).
@uicbear (1900)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I think it just another way for people to defer responsibility. When a person does something wrong, all you hear is how many bad things happend to them, how hard things are for them, how much they have been influenced by TV and all that other stuff.
What I believe it that when we are young, we learn how to behave from our parents, and family, and teachers. We learn from the people who surround us on a daily basis. This is the foundation for what we believe is good and bad. The foundation of our character and our judgement. Do I think TV and or video games have an influence? Only if this foundation is corrupt. Now if the foundation is corrupt to begin with, that child has a long and troubled road ahead, just because they'll have to figure this out for themselves.
Video games, even though they have become vastly more realistic with these newer game systems, I still can't believe that this is influence people to be violent. Otherwise with all the racing games, wouldn't this influence more people to drive like maniacs. Now I know there are a bunch of people who don't follow all of the rules of the road, but did you ever hear anyone use the excuse say for speeding, "But officer, on road ralley 4, I could drive 130 as long as I didn't hit any oil slicks...."
As we get older and mature, we are taught the rules of living in society. You do learn what is right and wrong. What is acceptable behavior and non-acceptable. As you get older your behavior become a choice. People need to accept responsibility for the choices they make.
1 person likes this
@silverjam (969)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I do not have kids but my idea of those video game that depicts violence is one thing the devil is trying to influence on to kids in a very subtle way. You see, kids in their young minds and mostly still in their formative years seeing this kind of shows would probably think its normal and would think that violence is part of life. This would also hinders them to have good interactions w/ others as the may tend to be violent themselves. This will destroy their concept of peace and harmony and worst this might lead them to believe that killing is a way of life as they have been regularly witnessing it as normal routine in their younger years.
@ulalume (713)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I'm not just talking about video games and young children, but video games and anyone of any age. In some respects I agree with you though. For children these games could be damaging, but to damage an imaginary world that they live in of "peace and harmony" is not exactly something I am bothered by. Why? Because the Earth and its inhabitants are not about peace and harmony. We are all animals and act as such. Some of us more civilized then others, obviously; however wars are always occuring. Whether they be between individuals, religions, countries, states, people groups, or whatever. I would rather children not be blissfully ignorant of these things occuring. Sure, I don't want them to "suffer" either but to avoid all things violent will just breed a strange, misinformed mind in those kids.
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
22 Jan 09
Someone once told me something like, 'your home is an extension of your mind.' Then what goes on in our home and what we do in our home is also an extension of ourselves. If we are entertained by violence, what does that say about ourselves?
Yes I know we live in a violent world, but do we need to also be entertained by it?
Obviously, I preferred to be entertained by:
"Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. Do what you learned and received from me, what I told you, and what you saw me do. And the God who gives peace will be with you."
@ulalume (713)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I see what you are saying, and to a degree I agree (and in the same, to a degree I disagree). The difficulty for me is that in alot of games, heck most games, violence is a part of the game and not the whole thing. Sure, a game like Grand Theft Auto can't exactly get off as its primary objective it to allow the player to enact every "sin" possible in a virtual realm. I find it amusing, personally, but I can see why people would be bothered. Now a game also containing violence and war, Call of Duty 4, is different due to its story (which is very moving, actually). In this case, the "entertainment" is more similar to enjoying a book or movie where violence is a "part" of the greater story.
@paoxav (1382)
• Philippines
23 Jan 09
Part of the evolving world and technology in my opinion. We can't blame the system. All we can do is to guide the children who were playing the game that involves violence and crimes. Besides, it's just a game and not really a real life one. If you can't beat them, join them. But put up some limitations. Tell the kids that do not do it in real coz it's bad.
@kokobop (21)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I think this is just one more thing for people to blame. It seems like everyone these days is just looking to play the game blame and very few people will actually accept responsibility for their own actions. I think the ratings on the games are good enough and there doesn't need to be any censoring. If games were to be censored, then movies and TV programs better be as well. For that matter, I've kids cartoons that are just as violent as some video games.
1 person likes this
@izathewzia (5134)
• Philippines
23 Jan 09
They said what we see or hear and are always observe will surely affects us in one way or the other. It is called adaptation. But when it comes to such gross acts like killing, i think it is not hte violent video games alone are the reason. It has something to do also with the kind of breeding the child has. The parents and the people around him or her still has something to do about it.
@carinio98 (2929)
• Philippines
23 Jan 09
its only a game... you shouldnt ignore what you see and what you do in any violent games that you play... its not a big deal if you ask me.
@sxrxnrr45601 (1171)
• United States
23 Jan 09
I think it is a bunch of bull for ppl to blame such things on music or video games its just a bad excuse I think errrrrrr this makes me so mad its just bull thats it!
@alyssakenzie (462)
• United States
23 Jan 09
I do not think that there is a direct link it might give them the idea about how to go about doing it and in what way they want to but for as that being why I don't think it is. I think that they have to already have the wan to kill in them to actually go out and do it. I have played several video games that have violence in them and I have never had so much as a thought about going out and doing it on real people. I think there has to be something wrong with them for the though to enter their head and for them to believe that it is a good idea.
@lihongyi (124)
• China
23 Jan 09
The violence is in most of the games,like prince of persia,or devil may cry,or GTA.Actually,they brought nothing bad into my life,it is just some kind of entertainment and sometimes,a kind of way to release the emotion...As for doing these things in the real life,nah...
