I think there are two issues combined here.
One is a matter of censorship (which I am against), the other, the effect of violence in communicated cultural expression on a younger values-learning generation.
Though I'm against censorship, I think video game designers, as well as film makers and rappers should be made aware of the cycle of violence they're perpetuating through desensitization and glorification of violence.
The case of James Bulger was evidence of learned violent behaviour through imitation (the young kids had good parents etc). We as a society need to take more responsibility for the values we extoll.
Secondly, as I'm against censorship, I believe it's up to individuals whether they buy games that fund future games of the genre. We as consumers have all the power to dictate what get's thrust before our noses.
Good games do not have to be violent to be fun, addictive, dramatic, challenging or escapist.
Nor does war need to be used to solve problems. Nor does 51 bullets need to be fired into
unarmed black men.
[ 12-01-2006, 06:25 PM: Message edited by: Yorick ]