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A response to 'Grand Theft Auto' hate

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By Aimee Green | Tuesday, May 13, 2008 12:46 PM CDT | () comments

Last week, I wrote about ''Grand Theft Auto IV,'' a game I gave a perfect score because of its excellent story, lengthy single-player mode and deep multiplayer.

My review provoked some complaints from people who said I was pushing a game that promotes police-killing and ultra-violence. While people have a right to their opinions, I felt the need to respond.

The backlash against the ''Grand Theft Auto'' series and other Mature-rated games has been heavy, and I think a large part of this is because of some misconceptions.

First, this game (and others) is not meant for children. People complain that it's corrupting children, but it was not created with children in mind. The Mature rating emphasizes that. Like any R-rated movie - many of which are much, much worse than anything I've seen in M-rated games - it's up to the parents to keep the children away from it.

This brings me to misconception No. 2. Video games are not just for children. As the industry has grown over the past 20-some years, the hordes of children who played the games also have grown up. And they still play.

The Entertainment Software Association recently reported that the average age of gamers is 33. Women now represent 38 percent of gamers. Even more interesting, women over the age of 18 represent more of the gaming population (31 percent) than boys ages 17 or younger (20 percent).

So we can hardly blame the industry for creating games that cater to that older audience. Adults have every right to enjoy a violent video game. I, for one, know the difference between escaping into a video game and performing violent acts in real life. I am one of the most passive people I know, despite my affinity for violent, escapist fare.

As for ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' specifically, yes, police get shot, but it is not encouraged as some people are led to believe. There are penalties for such actions, and they, in fact, make the game much more difficult. There are also times in the game when the player is given the choice between ending someone's life and letting him go. It's not an all-out ''kill machine,'' and it doesn't mean I don't have any respect for police officers and the hard work they do. Quite simply, it's a game.

What I'm getting at is that video games are just like every other medium: They are perfectly fine options for entertainment in the hands of a responsible adult. Just as with R-rated movies and television, parents need to be vigilant about what their children can access. And of course teach them the difference between real life and fantasy.

If you're wondering what is OK for your child to play, check out this Web site: www.whattheyplay.com. It provides useful descriptions for just about any game you can think of, along with a recommended age of play.

Reach Aimee Green at (402) 473-7326 or Aimee.Green@lee.net.