Comments on Video Games

In recent years video game censorship has reached new heights. There have been efforts made to edit these games by creating regulatory restrictions and closely monitoring game contents. These actions are supposed to nullify any negative effects video games have on video game players. It is important to understand why video games are censored, and how that censorship affects society.

Video games are censored using various methods, the most prevalent being the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). Their main function of assigning content ratings breaks games down into categories based on the age of those who should play them, and also who can buy them. This limits what content can be added to games as designers must follow the criticisms of this board of their games will not be sold. Games are also censored removing or altering content. Some games, suffer an even worse fate by not being allowed to enter this country.

Overall the majority of video game censorship is in relation to its contents and how it will be viewed by its target audiences. It has been shown that even violent games inspire friendliness in gamers. The attacks on videogames are based on a select few individuals who commit hate crimes. The opinion that video games influence these crimes is common, but is statistically incorrect as over half of the gaming population is female and hate crimes are virtually almost always committed by men.

Arguments for and against video games are often based on faulty logic and personal morals, instead of proven evidence. There will continue to be debates on videogames until we are honest enough to realize that we can not blame a product for our problems. We must see hate crimes and other issues as calls for help from those that commit them.