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[Maxxan]

First of all, this is not meant to be a discussion about whether or not interactive content can have a negative impact on people. Second, the reason why I didn't post this in the GTA V OT is because I believe the discussion could also be of interest to those who have yet to experience the game. (In other words, spoiler tag anything story-related that wasn't widely known pre-launch).

OK, so we all know that GTA V is violent, albeit not as violent as, say, TLOU, and that it lets you attack and kill innocent bystanders. Despite this, however, there are legions of parents out there who buy this game for their kids (as in 10-12 year-olds). So why is it a good thing that GTA V uses words like n***a in every other sentence? Or that you get to see simulated sex acts, breasts and penises? Or that you can pick up a bong and get your smoke on? Well, I believe this is a good thing because it punishes bad parents.

Now, I'm not saying that parents who believe their children are mature enough to view this content are bad parents. I do, however, think that parents who buy an M-rated game for their kids without taking the time to read up on its content (there's a BIG label on the cover) are indeed bad parents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za2Dh817ZyM Do we really think the parents in this video know that their kid will soon be (story-related spoiler, about 1/3 into the game)

Spoiler

torturing a poor guy by pulling his teeth out

, smoking meth and watching a girl getting ducked up her ass? I wish I could see the look on their faces when they find out.

In fact, I wish more mature games went all out with explicit language, drugs and nudity. Maybe then, parent will actually learn to read a damn label. What say you, GAF?

 

[w1gglyjones]

Rockstar said this was a "masculine" game when asked about a possible female protagonist and how that wouldn't fit.

Is this what they think masculinity is or should be about? How it should be portrayed?

 

[ThroneZwei]

Rockstar said this was a "masculine" game when asked about a possible female protagonist and how that wouldn't fit.

Is this what they think masculinity is or should be about? How it should be portrayed?

It's satire of it.

It's a parody of what a man is. The whole game is just a parody of everything.

 

[toastyToast]

Ultimately, those kids are societies problem, not the parents. I don't understand what you're getting at.

 

[Sophia]

In fact, I wish more mature games went all out with explicit language, drugs and nudity. Maybe then, parent will actually learn to read a damn label. What say you, GAF?

The problem comes in with the parents who just don't care about the label.

 

[TheSpoiler]

It's satire of it.

It's a parody of what a man is. The whole game is just a parody of everything.

There are people who somehow missed this.

 

[Maxxan]

Ultimately, those kids are societies problem, not the parents. I don't understand what you're getting at.

I really don't think those kids will be particularly negatively affected by GTA V, but I do think parents who realize what they just bought their kids will be freaked the fuck out. And I think that's a good thing.

 

[Portugeezer]

Wonder if that kid has been hyped for GTA since IV when he was 6 years old.

That is the most ridiculous part of the video, how an 11 year old can be so hyped for a new GTA? It doesn't make sense unless he's been playing since a toddler (or just really loved GTA IV as a young kid).

 

[XANDER CAGE]

Rockstar said this was a "masculine" game when asked about a possible female protagonist and how that wouldn't fit.

Is this what they think masculinity is or should be about? How it should be portrayed?

You're assuming that Rockstar is examining masculinity in this case is a positive trait, which it really isn't at all in GTAV's case.

The game's satire can be hit or miss, but it's definitely not pro classic "masculinity."

 

[ArjanN]

There are people who somehow missed this.

I think GTA does try to have it's cake and eat it too.

It's as much immature gangster fantasy as it's satire IMO.

 

[Lunchbox]

I do, however, think that parents who buy an M-rated game for their kids without taking the time to read up on its content (there's a BIG label on the cover) are indeed bad parents.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=za2Dh817ZyM Do we really think the parents in this video know that their kid will soon be (story-related spoiler, about 1/3 into the game)

Spoiler

torturing a poor guy by pulling his teeth out

, smoking meth and watching a girl getting ducked up her ass? I wish I could see the look on their faces when they find out.

Ultimately, those kids are societies problem, not the parents. I don't understand what you're getting at.

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

 

[toastyToast]

I really don't think those kids will be particularly negatively affected by GTA V, but I do think parents who realize what they just bought their kids will be freaked the fuck out. And I think that's a good thing.

I'm doubtful that the parents who bought them the game in the first place will take any kind of responsibility. The series does have a reputation, even with people who don't normally play games. Reputation enough to at least read the label instead of being a lazy fuck. When I said societies problem I meant more the perpetuation of the, 'all the other kids are playing it' notion that parents and children rationalize the purchase with. The other kids shouldn't be playing it in the first place. If more parents said no, it'd be easier for parents to say no and have it sink in.

 

[TheSpoiler]

I think GTA does try to have it's cake and eat it too.

It's as much immature gangster fantasy as it's satire IMO.

I can see that. Some of it does get a bit full of itself and constrict the issues at hand.

 

[XANDER CAGE]

I think GTA does try to have it's cake and eat it too.

It's as much immature gangster fantasy as it's satire IMO.

This really raises its head when GTAV tries to parody other games. All of the Call of Duty parody ads call it out for excessive violence and power fantasy antics, but that's also what GTA thrives on.

 

[Con_Smith]

Just started working at gamestop this week and telling parents what goes down in this game for some reason doesn't stop them from buying it for their kids.

 

[w1gglyjones]

Adding more sex and violence doesn't act as better deterrence from kids playing the game. I don't see any upsides.

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

How you turned out is irrelevant. GTA V is inappropriate for youth.

 

[Maxxan]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

I think you might have missed my point. I'm certainly not saying that GTA is bad for all kids, nor am I saying that parents cannot decide for themselves what their kids can and cannot play.

 

[NewGame]

Rockstar would like you to think it's satirical but it's really glorification and indulging. Like how they try to shove moral choices into Red Dead. There's no morals- you shoot everyone and win the game. It has moral choices the same way Family Guy has humor.

I know a guy who played GTAIV just to steal cars because he thinks that's a great adrenaline rush and gets you a free car. He is a a rev head and I can see him in jail in a few years.

I don't think the game causes such behavior but it definitely currys it. Especially in people who already entertain such ideas.

 

[Storm360]

I doubt the parents will even notice to be honest

Most these kids are locked in a bedroom with headphones on


I've played the GTA games since GTA 1 when I was around 5 or so, but to be honest, I wouldn't allow my child to play GTA V, despite me being fine with the content up to IV as long as they understand its not real, and the language and actions of the characters in game are not appropriate in the real world

 

[TheContact]

I just think it's funny that Hot Coffee is nothing compared to the content in GTA V, and yet that was made into such a big deal, and that content wasn't even accessible in the regular game without cheat so most players never saw it until it hit the internet

 

[MechaZain]

I don't think it's punishing parents. There's some harsh criticism of American society and especially masculinity in the narrative. I'm not sure most people playing are aware enough to get that though, so I'm not sure if it help or makes things worse in the long run.

It possibly serves as a safe outlet for some potentially dangerous people so that's one

 

[d31m0s]

It's satire of it.

It's a parody of what a man is. The whole game is just a parody of everything.

Thats actually why i find the stories good.They create a compelling narrative that is not serious and not meant to be taken seriously

 

[Coffee Dog]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

And yet you're a virgin.

 

[zero shift]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

You tend to brag a lot. We get it you're rich.

 

[Maxxan]

I just think it's funny that Hot Coffee is nothing compared to the content in GTA V, and yet that was made into such a big deal, and that content wasn't even accessible in the regular game without cheat so most players never saw it until it hit the internet

lol, that's a great point =) Parts of GTA V are basically softcore porn.

 

[Plywood]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

I know you're gonna get flack in this thread, but I'm legit curious as to what your job is ever since I read the post in your tag.

 

[Wille517]

It's satire of it.

It's a parody of what a man is. The whole game is just a parody of everything.

There are people who somehow missed this.

As I stated in another topic about GTA V, this game is the Modest Proposal of our time a story with a serious tone that was never ment to be taken seriously that what makes it amazing from a narrative stand point IMO.

 

[Rebel Leader]

Adding more sex and violence doesn't act as better deterrence from kids playing the game. I don't see any upsides.



How you turned out is irrelevant. GTA V is inappropriate for youth.

and so is the internet but hey, that's ok

 

[Skeff]

And there I was thinking it was an example of Freud's ID Ego and super-Ego each being represented by one of the main characters, showing that all 3 of the characters cannot function alone and can only function when together as a team.

Which would of course explain why all 3 are male as they would all be reflections of the same person in the sense of the representation of the 3 facets of the structural model of the psyche.

 

[Neo 007]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

To make a post like that your also kind of a dick........true story

 

[ThroneZwei]

As I stated in another topic about GTA V, this game is the Modest Proposal of our time a story with a serious tone that was never ment to be taken seriously that what makes it amazing from a narrative stand point IMO.

It makes all the 'serious' complaining about it all the sweeter.

 

[Dug]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

This plus your tag...kinda funny.

 

[hymanator]

Saying it "punishes bad parents" is sort of a harsh way to word it. It's more of a case of being oblivious or ignorant to the fact that something as innocent sounding as a "video game" can contain R rated or worse content.
I did seasonal work at a retail store a couple years back, and there was a woman about to buy her 10 year old kid a copy of Saints Row 3. I described a few examples of what kind of content was in the game and she had a horrified look in her face and had no idea.
Video games are not like movies. Virtually everyone watches movies, but gaming has a much more limited audience, which equates to many parents that have no idea how extremely sexual or violent a game can get. There are parents that think twice about letting their kid see a PG-13 movie, but go ahead and pick up an M-rated game, not noticing that there is a rating system in the first place. Now that games can be bought digitally, the rating system is almost invisible in many cases. I guess parents should learn how to use the "parental control" features that are on their kids console, but like I said, many parents have no clue how a console works or that there are control features at all.

 

[PInk Tape]

I do appreciate that games are becoming more mature in that sense, but I don't think punishing parents is a good thing. Some are just plain clueless to what goes on (not mine though, bless their hearts) in the virtual world their kid is playing in. I believe that some parents need to be more aware of the rating system that has been created for these titles: that's why they're there. Most people wouldn't let an 8 year old into an R rated film, so why let an 8 year old play an M rated game? Or if we're going the more extreme/work route instead of just turning parents away from these M rated titles, maybe certain aspects of said game should be explained to the parent or guardian; it may prevent them getting the game and other M rated titles. Sure, it's not the person's job to be explaining these sorts of things, but it may help. Who knows?

I did seasonal work at a retail store a couple years back, and there was a woman about to buy her 10 year old kid a copy of Saints Row 3. I described a few examples of what kind of content was in the game and she had a horrified look in her face and had no idea.

Something like this perhaps? Also good on you for doing something like that.

 

[Callibretto]

I think, if a parent care enough to watch what their children is playing, they'll care enough to see the M rating in the box.

those parents who just buy GTA5 blindly for kids really isn't going to watch their kids when they're playing the games to catch the explicit language and sexual content the game has.

 

[DireStr8s]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

Oh no! You've become a GTA npc!

 

[Sanjuro]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

We should go to some games. You buy the beers.

 

[Gurrry]

Its time for people to grow up and realize that it isnt GTA and other violent games that are causing all the blood shed in the world. They attack video games because its easy.

I for one am glad that GTA doesnt care and constantly pushes the boundaries in their games.

Without someone pushing those boundaries, we will get no where.

 

[Rollo Lawson]

I'm not far in the game but these characters are specific characters with specific problems in a very specific world. I don't get why anyone wants that to change. You either like it or you don't. If you don't like the vulgarity...if you don't like the story...if you don't like the fact the setting is always American...if you don't like the male protagonists...move on. It's a presentation that needs to be the way it is in order to work the way it's intended to work. Seriously. Let it go.

I wonder if people read books and light torches to change settings and the tone of the stories there.

As far as parents being better filters, there is some truth to it. For something as phenomenal (literally of or relating to a phenomenon) as GTA there should be some research. Most of the time at retail we are being alerted. That should raise some flag...

 

[GorillaJu]

I played gta3 when I was 11

now I drive a 328i
own apple stock
wear tag heuer
my weekly tax is 537$ that creates jobs and pays for roads and schools that kids go to
my mom paid 49$ for gta in 2001, I paid the US govt more than 20k back in 4 months


what's your contribution to society Gta hater?

Now if only you could buy taste.