Well, the violence in video games crowd has reared it's ugly head again. And I can't much blame them when you see this trailer.
I love my violent games, and very much enjoyed the original Modern Warfare game. But here's the thing, I'm over 18. I'm allowed to.
And with all the previous controversies about the likes of Manhunt (which I heard was rubbish anyway) and Grand Theft Auto IV, it seems that a lot of people have forgotten 1 simple fact: these games are for adults only.
Don't buy them for your kids and complain when they're too violent!
The other point often made is that these games are teaching kids to commit violent acts. And I find it curious that some right wing commentators would make this comment.
After all, they presumably don't expect their child to become a professional soccer player merely because they've mastered every level in the latest FIFA game, nor do they expect their progeny to become a rock god because their amazing at Guitar Hero.
So why do they expect anything different when it comes to GTA IV? Does anyone think that to rob a car that all you have to do is jump in front of it, pull the driver out and drive off?!
Or that shooting someone using a controller will prepare you for the recoil from an actual gun (which if you're not careful can severely hurt your shoulder)?
Here's the thing, in the US military, they have to sent their soldiers to boot camp in order to basically 'deprogramme' them as human beings. That's how ingrained it is in ordinary decent people not to end the life of someone else.
And frankly, if you're the kind of sociopath who would murder someone else, a video game is not going to be the main reason you did it.
Lock and Load!
