Do you believe in age restrictions for games?

[Holt Politician]

I dislike how groups, organizations, and etc always come out and say how video games cause violence and etc.

Whatever happened to good parenting?

Anyways, I ask this question because there seems to be debate on a game
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/raskin/1906

Groups in Britain are supposedly trying to ban it from their country.

Heck, why do some games have ratings? Shouldn't a parent have the responsibility of policing their kids?

This probably could include cartoons as well. People are always complaining about them being violent too.....yet the first cartoons (Tom&Jerry, Roadrunner vs Coyote, and etc) were very violent.

[Zenato]

Yes games should have ratings as should DVDs and music CDs. The ONLY person who wouldn't want this is a teenager trying to trick their parents into allowing them to play, watch or hear something not meant for their age. Also, the restrictions are generally just on the purchase of the games, DVDs or CDs and not the playing, viewing and listening. A parent is still free to purchase a rated M video game for their little 9 year old if they want, but the rating prevents the 9 year old from going into a store and buying it. This is a good thing.

A parent needs to make a snap judgement about the content of a video game, DVD or music CD when little johnny is begging to get the latest Grand Theft Auto at the video store. A parent doesn't have the time to sit down, rent, review every single game, movie, music CD in the world. The rating system makes a world of sense and ALLOWS parents to actually be better parents; not the other way around. They are a guide and very useful to parents. I'm a parent and I appreciate them and find them very helpful. I know my kids don't like them, but that is the point.

It is usually groups of concerned parents who back and push these sorts of laws. It isn't the government trying to over reach and take away parental responsibility or cencorship. It should be the parents decision on what little Johnny plays, watches, or listens to. Without the ratings and restrictions it is hard for parents to be good parents. People against the ratings and restrictions will usually try and position it as a way the government is taking AWAY parental responsibility, but that is the furthest from the truth. If you're a parent and not a totally whacked out extreme left wing lunatic, you're for restrictions because it gives you more parental control; just ask my kids :-)

Parents are also FREE to not adhere to the ratings if they so choose. If they want to go get the latest Grand Theft Auto and let their 9 year old play it, so be it. It might be an unwise parental decision, but a decision for a parent non-the-less.

Thank you for playing...

[Sledge]

I dislike how groups, organizations, and etc always come out and say how video games cause violence and etc.

Whatever happened to good parenting?

Anyways, I ask this question because there seems to be debate on a game
http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/raskin/1906

Groups in Britain are supposedly trying to ban it from their country.

Heck, why do some games have ratings? Shouldn't a parent have the responsibility of policing their kids?

This probably could include cartoons as well. People are always complaining about them being violent too.....yet the first cartoons (Tom&Jerry, Roadrunner vs Coyote, and etc) were very violent.

This is just another example of the do-gooders of the world trying to get rules/laws passed based soely off of their paranoia and desires. When these scathing reviews and hype were written, no one had even seen the game, much less played it. They got all excited just off of the title.

This game will have a rating. The merchants should honor the rating level and not sell to under age kids.

If a parent buys this game for their under age kid, it is between them and the child. Parents have that responsibility for their children.

The reviews that are starting to come in indicate that this is actually a very good game. It is not another Columbine setup. It is dealing with the reality of being in that age of 12-16 that has affected everyone at that point in their life.

[Thadda Al-Munik]

Movies for kids were much better back in the 80's and early 90's when I was growing up. Now I see some of the movies out now and I think I would be bored as a child. Violent movies/games ftw!

Parents whine and complain about this kind of stuff so they can be lazy with their parenting. I grew up getting smacked if I did something wrong. In school if a bully tried to cause physical harm, I would kick him in the balls. It's all a part of growing up and all these watering life down for kids has them grow up and face a harsher reality when it comes.

[Jiggi-watt]

Soft parenting makes soft people.

I think there should be a rating, for the reason already mentioned of helping parents decide on yes/no when buying a game for their kid.

Not a whole lot I can mention that's not already been said.

[Erica]

From a female perspective....but with no kid's, I agree with the game ratings, so the parents can decide. But I would prefer had I children, that they would hit the books, play outside, and participate in any form of sports, rather than spend their time playing vid games, of any kind. And if they misbehaved, I'd simply "smack" their father, for his down side of the genetic pool.

[Thadda Al-Munik]

From a female perspective....but with no kid's, I agree with the game ratings, so the parents can decide. But I would prefer had I children, that they would hit the books, play outside, and participate in any form of sports, rather than spend their time playing vid games, of any kind. And if they misbehaved, I'd simply "smack" their father, for his down side of the genetic pool.

Women are the meaner side of our species.

Anyway, when it's winter out, I prefer they stay inside and play games.

[Erica]

Women are the meaner side of our species.

Anyway, when it's winter out, I prefer they stay inside and play games.
You read as so abused. Women are not the "meaner" side of our species. I dont believe parents should "smack" their kids, (look how they can turn out) And countries ran by men, war machines, lol, yeah, the female is the "meaner" side alright, :rolleyes:

[Holt Politician]

You read as so abused. Women are not the "meaner" side of our species. I dont believe parents should "smack" their kids, (look how they can turn out) And countries ran by men, war machines, lol, yeah, the female is the "meaner" side alright, :rolleyes:

What?!? You don't think Laura Bush is the main cause of the situation!?!?

Just kidding., but we do need to get rid of Nancy Grace. She gives you ladies a bad name.

[Thadda Al-Munik]

You read as so abused. Women are not the "meaner" side of our species. I dont believe parents should "smack" their kids, (look how they can turn out) And countries ran by men, war machines, lol, yeah, the female is the "meaner" side alright, :rolleyes:

I wasn't abused persay. I've just met some really awful girls in my past, and I know that girls don't get along with other girls. The main reason is because one is snotty to the other, lol. I can tell you never saw Mean Girls.

Smacking kids is a good way to tell them to shut up :p .

Well, this country is ran by a monkey. So then I ask, what country votes a monkey into office?

[Thadda Al-Munik]

[QUOTE= but we do need to get rid of Nancy Grace. She gives you ladies a bad name.[/QUOTE]

I think Paris Hilton tops the charts for giving women a bad name.

[Jiggi-watt]

You read as so abused. Women are not the "meaner" side of our species. I dont believe parents should "smack" their kids, (look how they can turn out) And countries ran by men, war machines, lol, yeah, the female is the "meaner" side alright, :rolleyes:

Exactly the point ! Well, perhaps 'mean' isn't as good a word. Atleast we make it known that we're cranky and then it's loud and ugly. I find when women are cranky it's a much more subtle, deadly and utterly terrifying situation.

Where we'd go to war, you'd develop close economic ties with that country over the course of a decade making them rely on trade with your own country...then out of the blue you'd completely cut them off, destroying their economy and their country itself from within. The worst part is, you wouldn't even tell them why !

[Niobe]

Yes, I do agree that age restrictions belong on games.

Statistics have shown that younger children are more impressionable and will immitate the shows they watch and the games they play. Just look at all the kids who tied a towel or blanket around their neck as a cape and started jumping off things to immitate superman? I remember that when my brother and I were kids, we would watch the incredible hulk. My brother would pick up chairs and throw them.

Parents need to pay attention to what their children are doing. Some children may be fine with violent games, while others are not. Parents need to regulate game and tv time.

[Erica]

I wasn't abused persay. I've just met some really awful girls in my past, and I know that girls don't get along with other girls. The main reason is because one is snotty to the other, lol. I can tell you never saw Mean Girls.

Smacking kids is a good way to tell them to shut up :p .

Well, this country is ran by a monkey. So then I ask, what country votes a monkey into office?
LoL! Holt, see what you started? And Thad, hookers dont count! (kidding) I've met a couple dirt bag guys in the past, it's like pulling weeds, chuck the bad, keep the good, but I dont run around spouting ALL guys are "awful" because of the few weeds. I agree with the Paris Hilton statement, (so all women went from the meaner side of the species, to skanky ho's as well?) But as for smacking kids to tell them to shut up?....You should be spanked :p. Without a doubt, this is the best off topic post I've read thus far. Must be Halloween month,:p

[Holt Politician]

LoL! Holt, see what you started? And Thad, hookers dont count! (kidding) I've met a couple dirt bag guys in the past, it's like pulling weeds, chuck the bad, keep the good, but I dont run around spouting ALL guys are "awful" because of the few weeds. I agree with the Paris Hilton statement, (so all women went from the meaner side of the species, to skanky ho's as well?) But as for smacking kids to tell them to shut up?....You should be spanked :p. Without a doubt, this is the best off topic post I've read thus far. Must be Halloween month,:p

My dad never smacked me so I'd shut up, but the paddle came out if I broke a window or something.

That might not be the reason why Im well adjusted, but I look at my 2 step-brothers who got "timeout" in their room and who usually ended their "timeout" when they asked if they could come out...I think Im more adjusted than they are.

So, why should we put age restrictions on something such as Asheron's Call? I could see if Frelorn and the gang were putting up a Drudge Strip Club in Holtburg that the game be 18 and over. What I don't understand is why a 10 year old can't kill someone in Quake or something without redflags going off.

Shouldn't it be the parent's responsiblity to inform their child that killing in a video game is different than killing in real life? :p If its not already common sense.

[Arch Magi]

I dislike how groups, organizations, and etc always come out and say how video games cause violence and etc.

Whatever happened to good parenting?

Gonna have to ask Al Gore's wife. She started this pile of garbage back in the 1980s.

As for "age restrictions for games"? Yeah, I wish there was some. I would love to play an MMO where no one under the age of 21 is allowed to play, and it was verified in some form.

[Thadda Al-Munik]

I say 18 is a good age. Not all players between 18-21 are dummy heads.

Thanks for the post comment Erica :) As for smacking kids, I still think it needs to be skillfully implemented. I didnt turn out so bad :D

I had a psychology class and the professor said that children who were smacked were no different than those who were given non physical punishments. I chuckled and told him that if my mom made me sit in my room, that I would just ignore her.

Smacking sometimes is key, because it defines meaning business. Overall, it really depends on the kind of person you are. Some people are just very obedient. Others need a good ass kicking, lol

[Erica]

Mainly a good idea to keep the game rating's/age statements for the parents who buy them for their kid's, so they can pay attention, and then decide what they want their kids playing, I'm talking about the average, middle class working families, were both parents work, and think the pc's and or game decks make great baby sitters, (even heard, good learning tools, before), so is a good heads up, to those that mistakingly buy, oh, say a PS II game called Leisure Suit Larry, (naughty but hilarious) for example, would they want their 9-12 year old's playing that one? It should be good parenting, most often times isnt. And it is some of those parents, that should be smacked, not the kids. You know the ones, the "well they didnt make games like that when I was a kid, so how would I know?", line. Try paying closer attention, lol.

[Holt Politician]

Funny you say that,

I believe we still had our great Tandy 1000 when dad started bringing home Leisure Suit Larry. The child protection on them were a series of questions that were aimed at people older than what i was. So I had to answer questions like, "What was Jimmy Carter's dogs name?" type questions.

I was only in 5th or 6th grade. Did I know what I was doing? Thought I did...did I get anywhere? No. :D

But I haven't turned into a serial rapist or postal worker, Erica.

And believe it or not, some games are good learning aids.

Leisure Suit Larry was very similiar to King's Quest, Space Quest, and etc. Puzzle solving games. If you couldn't figure out the puzzle, you didn't get very far in the game.

Asheron's call even can be thought of as a learning aid. If you have a young kid, he'd learn all about economy, installing/deinstalling computer programs(3rd party applications), and lastly how to manage AC time with homework time. hehe

[Erica]

Your point directed at me made no sense, Holt. I didnt call you or anyone a rapist. Also, the PS II version of Leisure Suit Larry definetly came along way, (puzzle solving???)...Tandy 1000? Anyway, that game reference was mentioned for the adult content, (not the antique version), such as Playboy Mansion, etc. My post didnt state those type of games turn out serial rapists, only that little kids, I gave the ages already, should play their age appropriate games, thats why there are ratings, with the content described. And the next time I'm at Game Stop, I'll be sure to glance around at their educational games.

[Holt Politician]

^Just trying to state that I got my hands on alot of things when I was a minor and I haven't turned out to be a burden on society. While my dad wasn't the perfect parent, he must of showed me right and wrong.

I was reading the news today and a prosecutor was considering charging a 14 year old girl who killed her newborn as an adult.

Now, how can we charge minors as adult when we feel like it? But yet this 14 year old couldn't vote, buy a pack of cigarrettes, buy a beer, gamble, watch a R rated movie, or buy certain video games?

Better yet. Let's say this 14 year old, for the sake of argument, got out on bail. And an 18 year old had sex with her. Should the 18 year old be charged with a crime? Even though the 14 year old is being charged as an adult in another case?

Things like this make me wonder just why we have age restrictions on things like movies and video games.

Video games and movies don't kill people. The crazy people in this world kill people.

[Thadda Al-Munik]

She killed a baby who only wanted affection. She should be charged as an adult because she made an adult decision to have a baby.

[Erica]

Tragic, no birth control or adoption agencies in whatever state that happened at? Makes me wonder how often these kinds of stories will take place, if Roe versus Wade is fully over turned. Not sure about trying her as an adult, but murder was committed, psyche ward at the very least.

[MaddyFF]

I dislike how groups, organizations, and etc always come out and say how video games cause violence and etc.

Cause? Not sure but plenty of research points towards making one desensitive to violence. Military has known this for years.

[Holt Politician]

Cause? Not sure but plenty of research points towards making one desensitive to violence. Military has known this for years.

Well Maddy, they should of pulled Looney Toons from the air.

I'd like to see this research, because video games don't make me want to kill, rape, or thrust a Yari through someone's midsection.

Right and wrong is right and wrong. Blame should be put on poor parenting and nut cases.

[Erica]

Well Maddy, they should of pulled Looney Toons from the air.

I'd like to see this research, because video games don't make me want to kill, rape, or thrust a Yari through someone's midsection.

Right and wrong is right and wrong. Blame should be put on poor parenting and nut cases.
I agree with the poor parenting part...meanwhile, I just wanna go in Ninja mode, pull a bow, and snipe people....:eek:

[MaddyFF]

I'd like to see this research, because video games don't make me want to kill, rape, or thrust a Yari through someone's .

You didn't read my post did you? Try again and pay attention to the desensitive.

Now if you want to see what people are saying about this...

Link 1 (http://www.physorg.com/news8756.html)

Link 2
(http://www.pharma-lexicon.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=48277)

[Holt Politician]

Sounds like excuses to me. Proper parenting voids a video game anyday.

Would Laura Ingalls Wilder kill maim and murder after playing Asheron's Call?
Heck no, Ma and Pa taught her morals, ethics, and most importantly how to fish without macroing.

[MaddyFF]

Sounds like excuses to me. Proper parenting voids a video game anyday.

Parenting has part to do with it, but again I don't think you are understanding the point of the articles. Even with proper parenting, whatever that may be, you can still desensitize someone to violence. Especially when this violence is shown being done by "human" characters, as oppsoed to cartoon ones (Bugs Bunny). Tons of research out there on this, including by the US military.

[Erica]

*gasps* $600.00 for the new PSIII system, coming out the 17th, 1 minuteafter midnight, and only 10 per store allowed, :(...and for the kiddies, the new Nintendo Wii, coming out the 19th, after midnight, but 20 per store allowed. Will have the Discover card rdy, the price was bad enough, but only 10 decks per store, wth is up with that? Worse than the X-Box 360 last year. The Nintendo has some new games, the PS only has one that it comes out with, I see why the x-box 360 games went up $10.00 this year. Gonna be cheaper to play PC games very soon.

[Holt Politician]

I have a 360, not going to blow another $600 just so I can play a few exclusive games for ps3 or Wii.

[Sun Set Sam]

If I were to buy a PSIII, it would to get the Blu-Ray Tech DvD player for $600 instead of the $1000 for reg Blu-Ray Player. I would look into it more to make sure I am getting a comparable player before buying. Hopefully it could cause some decreases in Blu-Ray prices in general.

[Gengis]

I totally support game ratings, but would seldom support a game ban. I think its important to give parents and teens the tools to make good decisions. Whether or not they make good decisions, that is a different story, but at least they can't blame the game manufacturers.

You know what I really wish had ratings? Books. I'm pretty particular about what I watch and listen to. I rent my movies from a place that edits out profanity and sexuality. I know, call me a puritan if you must, but I prefer to keep some things out of my house and mind as best I can. But, when I pick up a book, there is no label telling me what to expect. I've been 100 pages into a few books when I've come onto a scene that makes me just drop the book right then and there. I hate losing that time and not knowing how it ends, but its just not worth it to me to finish. I don't like authors or producers or game developers who throw in gratuitous sex and violence and vulgarity.

Saving Private Ryan - I understand why the violence is there.

Now, be sure to note that I don't care what others do, that is a matter of choice. I just want the tools to make my own decisions.