http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11056581 Probably a non-issue on a gaming forum but I would still like to drop it off in here to see other opinions. My 5 cents: I have absolutely no problem with it. And for those who do have problem with it I say I understand why but the most they could or should do is simply advise other people not to buy the game. Banning it is ridiculous.
Seems a bit of a joke, but I can see why people are upset. Kind of a catch 22 though. You can either live in a society where people can say what they really want or you can live in one where garbage and offensive BS are tolerated, as they kind of have to be in a free society. Sad that it can't be both ways.
I think some game developers like controversy. I often compare games with movies, since they are both entertainment products. A movie depicting foreign war isn't greatly frowned upon. But on the other hand, I think games like this (even though we know it is pretend) do make young people more accepting of violence in the world.If the game is a person's only experience of being in a warzone, it will inevitably affect what you imagine warzones are like, with the joy of playing and winning the game being transferrable to that mental model. I sometimes see people on internet forums saying words to the effect of "I enjoy playing violent computer games", and some time later they say "I'm in the army", and that does make me wonder if there's some connection. I don't think a ban on this game is necessary (I don't support the nanny-state), but I do think the pro and cons to banning it weigh about even, and I would be interested to see how people react if it were banned.
I don't see a strong connection between violent video games, and actual violence. People are, or at least should be, intelligent and reasonable enough to not let violence in video games influence them. I am a perfect example... I love violent video games, been playing them since I was like 10, can't get enough of 'em, the more bloodshed the better, but I would never join the army, and I would never dream of murdering someone or getting violent with anyone unless it was an act of self-defense.
Hours of Doom on end stopped me from doing some... regrettable things I may have done without a place to vent. Elementary school was filled with bullies for me. I was the freak kid who listened to rock & roll after all (in a school filled with country hicks). Oh well, Middle School and above turned out awesome.. then StarCraft LAN parties.. woooo. Now that books are finally readily accepted, a game where you can play as the Taliban and shoot at allies... yeah, if this had been a similar book back int the 1970's or before, it'd be just as controversial, and people would call for bans. Calling for these bans is the only way some people can feel "secure" about their own morality.
This kinda reminds me of the times they tryed to get rid of GTA and had the issue of the rating change. I don't know if banning this game is going to change anything. I am sure even if it was banned people would still find a way to get there hands on it.
