Gamers scramble for 'GTA IV' - Sentinel & Enterprise

I can hear the complaints already...
It's pathetic how instead of fixing problems in society, people just play the blame game. "Oh it's rap music, oh it's youtube, oh it's myspace, oh it's video games!" No, it's not.
Also, are parents so lazy these days that instead of raising their children and protecting them from unsuitable material, they just simply ban and boycott anything that isn't for children? How about this, don't let your kids play these games! ding! ding! ding! there's a reason why these games are rated MATURE, there's a reason why only 17+ can purchase these games.
Who cares if some 17+ person wants to jump on the box and kill some cops, maybe they just got stomped by one in real life and wants to release some anger. Would you rather it happen in real life? Though I guess that's inevitable anyway since we let police do whatever they want. Another problem to fix.
Don't play the blame game, fix the problems...

StopBlamingFixTheProblems wrote:

I can hear the complaints already...
It's pathetic how instead of fixing problems in society, people just play the blame game. "Oh it's rap music, oh it's youtube, oh it's myspace, oh it's video games!" No, it's not.
Also, are parents so lazy these days that instead of raising their children and protecting them from unsuitable material, they just simply ban and boycott anything that isn't for children? How about this, don't let your kids play these games! ding! ding! ding! there's a reason why these games are rated MATURE, there's a reason why only 17+ can purchase these games.
Who cares if some 17+ person wants to jump on the box and kill some cops, maybe they just got stomped by one in real life and wants to release some anger. Would you rather it happen in real life? Though I guess that's inevitable anyway since we let police do whatever they want. Another problem to fix.
Don't play the blame game, fix the problems...

Well let's look at the facts. For one thing, this is not a Sci-Fi, Sports, or Military Simulation battle game. Nor is it something that a family sits around the room and plays on a Saturday Night together.

We are talking about a game, that basically glorifies, promotes crime in a basically horrific fashion. Also, in Chicago, it seems that this game can get someone shot, just owning it.

While you are right about problems with parental involvement on what kids can see and play these days, if a kid cannot tell right from wrong in an environment where there isn't anyone teaching right and wrong, then it doesn't make it any more right to play such games. Just because someone starts a fire, it doesn't make it anymore right to throw gasoline on it either.

Also we are talking about a game, that promotes stealing and killing people. This isn't a war game, it is a game, that teaches that crime pays. Obviously, you blame everyone who believes that.

Bottom line: The game IS a bad idea, in a society that sees enough that crime. Especially to be sold in metropolitan area like Fitchburg/Leominster that sees enough of that stuff, that could do without it.

If crime was a sport, this world would be a incredibly horrific place to be in!

Boulder City...
So war games don't glorify killing people? In any city, someone could get shot for owning an iPod when it first came out. It's all about the hype when stuff like that happens.

The point of GAMING is to do things you can't do in real life. That's why it's a GAME. Someone isn't going to go out and do violent things just because they saw it on one video game. What's to say they wouldn't do the same violent acts from watching the news, or watching a movie.

Your answer is typical of someone who reacts on surface analysis.

Ryan wrote:

Boulder City...
So war games don't glorify killing people? In any city, someone could get shot for owning an iPod when it first came out. It's all about the hype when stuff like that happens.
The point of GAMING is to do things you can't do in real life. That's why it's a GAME. Someone isn't going to go out and do violent things just because they saw it on one video game. What's to say they wouldn't do the same violent acts from watching the news, or watching a movie.
Your answer is typical of someone who reacts on surface analysis.

Ryan, let me tell you a story. When I was living at a Job Corps Center in Minnesota, there was a group of people in my floor of my dorm, that were from Chicago, African American, and were ex-gang members (this around 1990).

They were into the rap music, and yes, the movie they talked about in 1991, was the movie "New Jack City" (a movie that glorified the gang lifestyle).

Now if what you say is true, then we wouldn't have such problems. But if you look at what I just said, that it would seem such movies, and games basically condone such violence. Yes, that doesn't mean that we all go out and start carjacking because of it (I have a few WWII games myself, and I don't go blowing planes out of the sky myself), but a game like GTA, in a society, where inner-city violence has been on the rise (Chicago a GREAT EXAMPLE...and the new GTA game has been linked to a few shootings there..) it doesn't take a rocket scientist, that glorification of such actions is not warranted.

Especially when kids can get drugs, and guns easily such games as GTA only provide the license to do such things!

Boulder City wrote:

<quoted text>
Ryan, let me tell you a story. When I was living at a Job Corps Center in Minnesota, there was a group of people in my floor of my dorm, that were from Chicago, African American, and were ex-gang members (this around 1990).
They were into the rap music, and yes, the movie they talked about in 1991, was the movie "New Jack City" (a movie that glorified the gang lifestyle).
Now if what you say is true, then we wouldn't have such problems. But if you look at what I just said, that it would seem such movies, and games basically condone such violence. Yes, that doesn't mean that we all go out and start carjacking because of it (I have a few WWII games myself, and I don't go blowing planes out of the sky myself), but a game like GTA, in a society, where inner-city violence has been on the rise (Chicago a GREAT EXAMPLE...and the new GTA game has been linked to a few shootings there..) it doesn't take a rocket scientist, that glorification of such actions is not warranted.
Especially when kids can get drugs, and guns easily such games as GTA only provide the license to do such things!

New Jack City was an eye-opener in 1991.

If you'll excuse me, I'm about to unload some "weight", "smack my **** up", finish my OE, hop in tha '64, and unload my clip on a couple of suckas!

Needless to say, I didn't buy this game at Wal-Mart.

Also we are talking about a game, that promotes stealing and killing people. This isn't a war game, it is a game, that teaches that crime pays. Obviously, you blame everyone who believes that.

IT'S A GAME!!!!!!!!!! Not real life but a video game you can turn on and OFF! If you dont like it DONT BUY IT OR PLAY IT! It's simple! Games do not make killers or turn people into thugs, people choose to do that they make the decision.

For once, I actually agree with Melissa. If less parents spent their time bitching about it and more time teaching their children that games or actions like these are inappropraite, we wouldn't have near as many of the societal problems that we do. Games don't kill people. Guns don't kill people. People kill people.

Melissa wrote:

Also we are talking about a game, that promotes stealing and killing people. This isn't a war game, it is a game, that teaches that crime pays. Obviously, you blame everyone who believes that.
IT'S A GAME!!!!!!!!!! Not real life but a video game you can turn on and OFF! If you dont like it DONT BUY IT OR PLAY IT! It's simple! Games do not make killers or turn people into thugs, people choose to do that they make the decision.

Yeah, I guess you are right. After all, you probably teach your kids that "Desperate Housewives" is real life, and that you teach your kids, that being an "American Idol" ok too.

You probably even had your daughter (if you have one), that Hannah Montana was some to aspire to, only to find her half naked picture in Vanity Affair this month. But you probably told your child that is acceptable too.

Which is the mentality you just gave about this game. Which is exactly what is wrong with children in this world.

Just examples of what some people think is real...is a warped joke!

fitchburg-shuffle wrote:

<quoted text>
New Jack City was an eye-opener in 1991.
If you'll excuse me, I'm about to unload some "weight", "smack my **** up", finish my OE, hop in tha '64, and unload my clip on a couple of suckas!
Needless to say, I didn't buy this game at Wal-Mart.

Hopefully you don't try that for real, because it would be the first time, I would finally agree with the FPD patrolmen's union, to take you off the street, with that 64 chevy, while it rots, after 25 to life in Walpole.

Boulder City wrote:

<quoted text>
Hopefully you don't try that for real, because it would be the first time, I would finally agree with the FPD patrolmen's union, to take you off the street, with that 64 chevy, while it rots, after 25 to life in Walpole.

I would hope that you are able to read into the sarcasm imn my comment. The fact is that this game isn't appropiate for young kids and it's the responsibility of the parents to keep their kids away from such things.

Don't kids build tree forts and play outside anymore?

"Guns don't kill people, people kill people"
Hmmm...thats true but people use guns to kill people.
And thats what hand guns are made for. To conceal and to kill people.
On another note...people shouldn't be using video games as a babysitter and furthermore, if you or your children are stupid enough to go out and commit a crime because you saw it on a game....
You should be euthanized.
No exceptions.
You are too stupid and not worth the air that you breathe.
I played "Duck Hunter" many times as a child.
I have never once....killed a duck.
Ever.

SCATT wrote:

"Guns don't kill people, people kill people"
Hmmm...thats true but people use guns to kill people.
And thats what hand guns are made for. To conceal and to kill people.

Funny I have fired thousands of rounds from my handguns and never killed anyone. My guns must all be defective.

Oh and by the way people kill FAR more people every year with cars than guns or GTA. Stop driving yours and demand they are all banned immediately. It's for the children. After all if it saves just one life...

Either it's another case of parents not wanting to be parents and demanding the nanny state fulfill their parental duties for them so they don't have to be bothered. Or they are such busy bodies they want to take that choice away from every other parent. Because after all they are so much smarter than everyone else.

fitchburg-shuffle wrote:

<quoted text>
I would hope that you are able to read into the sarcasm imn my comment. The fact is that this game isn't appropiate for young kids and it's the responsibility of the parents to keep their kids away from such things.
Don't kids build tree forts and play outside anymore?

Sorry, didn't mean to confuse the wry humor!

Yeah you are right. Seems funny that back when we were kids, we did ALOT without the TV video games. I remember the first one video game I saw was in the old Arcade at Whalom. It was better back then, as you didn't get bored with it. Kinda like a once a while thing you could enjoy.

However tree-forts, and hiking was all the rage. Led to hunting and fishing, bowling, golf and a whole bunch of other fun stuff.

I guess that's why I liked the 1970's the best!

Erebus wrote:

<quoted text>
Funny I have fired thousands of rounds from my handguns and never killed anyone. My guns must all be defective.
Oh and by the way people kill FAR more people every year with cars than guns or GTA. Stop driving yours and demand they are all banned immediately. It's for the children. After all if it saves just one life...
Either it's another case of parents not wanting to be parents and demanding the nanny state fulfill their parental duties for them so they don't have to be bothered. Or they are such busy bodies they want to take that choice away from every other parent. Because after all they are so much smarter than everyone else.

EREBUS: Memory serves me right, that the current system we have of regulating firearms, did not keep a mentally ill individual from shooting multiple amounts of people at Virginia Tech, or the two at Columbine (which were teenagers), or the kid who fortunately got found by cops in Pennsylvania, whose mother kept buying guns and explosives for him while he was planning a Columbine style attack on his school.

Now with all that, you wish to deregulate the process. After all, we aren't talking about people who are sitting on tree stands in red flannel hats and coats getting ready to put bambi on the table.

But what it means, is to finally make it clear that assault weapons aren't made for hunting purposes, and don't belong on the streets.

Furthermore, your friends with the NRA say that we outlaw guns...only the outlaws will have them. Seems funny that the GTA games glorify the outlaws having guns, and carjacking etc. I guess you'd rather have a world like that. Seems funny that these people are finding the guns in real life (and don't give me that garbage that every gun dealer is on the up-and-up, and if he wants to make a sale, who in the NRA really gives a care?) and killing people.

But then it's okay to kill people with guns to steal is what you are saying.

As Chuck Heston said "The only time you will take this gun...will be out of my cold dead hands." In your case, it will be after every city in this country is a war zone by the outlaw you claim to be against!

Boulder City wrote:

<quoted text>
EREBUS: Memory serves me right, that the current system we have of regulating firearms, did not keep a mentally ill individual from shooting multiple amounts of people at Virginia Tech, or the two at Columbine (which were teenagers), or the kid who fortunately got found by cops in Pennsylvania, whose mother kept buying guns and explosives for him while he was planning a Columbine style attack on his school.

And neither did any of the 20,000 gun laws or the magical "Gun Free Zones". Or do you think that one more law would magically make these people no longer crazy? Or do you think that a ban would make guns unobtainable by anyone like illegal drugs are impossible to obtain in the US?

Boulder City wrote:

Now with all that, you wish to deregulate the process. After all, we aren't talking about people who are sitting on tree stands in red flannel hats and coats getting ready to put bambi on the table.

Where the hell did I say that? Don't put words in my mouth!!

Boulder City wrote:

But what it means, is to finally make it clear that assault weapons aren't made for hunting purposes, and don't belong on the streets.

And what,pray tell, is an "Assault Weapon"? The term was invented by Josh Sugarman of the Violence Policy Center in the early 90's to, self admittedly, confuse people about the difference between full auto rifles and semi auto rifles. It didn't exist prior to that. So tell me what is an "Assault Weapon"?

Boulder City wrote:

Furthermore, your friends with the NRA say that we outlaw guns...only the outlaws will have them.

And they are right, or do you believe that since drugs are banned there are impossible to obtain in the US?

Boulder City wrote:

Seems funny that the GTA games glorify the outlaws having guns, and carjacking etc. I guess you'd rather have a world like that.

Well some of us can tell the difference between reality and the fantasy of a video game, I guess we will have to cut you some slack on that level.

Boulder City wrote:

Seems funny that these people are finding the guns in real life (and don't give me that garbage that every gun dealer is on the up-and-up, and if he wants to make a sale, who in the NRA really gives a care?) and killing people.
But then it's okay to kill people with guns to steal is what you are saying.

Only 7% of guns used in crime are obtained legally, as in from gun stores or gun shows, according to the BATFE.

Boulder City wrote:

As Chuck Heston said "The only time you will take this gun...will be out of my cold dead hands." In your case, it will be after every city in this country is a war zone by the outlaw you claim to be against!

What he said was, "From my cold dead hand", at least get the quote right. In my case? Putting words in my mouth again? Or no it's you not being able to tell the difference between real life and a video game again.

Yes, more people are killed with cars.
But cars weren't made for that purpose.
Can you say that about your guns?
If 7% of legally owned guns were used to commit crimes then banning them would reduce the crime rate by a small percentage.
A little, is better than nothing.

Boulder City wrote:

<quoted text>
and the new GTA game has been linked to a few shootings there..) it doesn't take a rocket scientist, that glorification of such actions is not warranted.

Prove to me that the violence you're referring to isn't because of hype like when the iPod or iPhone came out...
Did the suspects say "I'm commiting a crime against you because I saw this in GTA."?

Boulder City wrote:

<quoted text>
Yeah, I guess you are right. After all, you probably teach your kids that "Desperate Housewives" is real life, and that you teach your kids, that being an "American Idol" ok too.
You probably even had your daughter (if you have one), that Hannah Montana was some to aspire to, only to find her half naked picture in Vanity Affair this month. But you probably told your child that is acceptable too.
Which is the mentality you just gave about this game. Which is exactly what is wrong with children in this world.
Just examples of what some people think is real...is a warped joke!

I do not let my daughter play games like this and any of the other things you say. My brother plays it but you dont see him going out stealing cars or shooting people! And our mother use to buy us video games I guess she explained life to us and even though we did play those games we didnt turn out to be killers or gang bangers!Its a freaking game like i said before dont like it dont play it or buy it for your kids. Parents need to teach kids right from wrong.Too many parents are not being parents anymore and rely on tv and video games to raise there children. I am not a teen but from the sounds of it your an old fart .....

SCATT wrote:

Yes, more people are killed with cars.
But cars weren't made for that purpose.
Can you say that about your guns?
If 7% of legally owned guns were used to commit crimes then banning them would reduce the crime rate by a small percentage.
A little, is better than nothing.

And what about the subsequent increase in crime when the 1.5 million people who successfully defend themselves with guns every year can no longer do so?

Look it up it's true even anti-gun people that were trying to prove that guns aren't used to defend as often as attack couldn't find a way to get results less than 800,000 a year.

Melissa wrote:

<quoted text>
I do not let my daughter play games like this and any of the other things you say. My brother plays it but you dont see him going out stealing cars or shooting people! And our mother use to buy us video games I guess she explained life to us and even though we did play those games we didnt turn out to be killers or gang bangers!Its a freaking game like i said before dont like it dont play it or buy it for your kids. Parents need to teach kids right from wrong.Too many parents are not being parents anymore and rely on tv and video games to raise there children. I am not a teen but from the sounds of it your an old fart .....

Well since you are into age bashing...when I was a teenager, we did NOT HAVE GAMES SUCH AS GTA. Nor was I into games that glorified crime. Yes parents need to teach right from wrong, memory serves me right the quote "crime does not pay."

What you are telling me, in your young, yet STUPID way is that "crime pays in any form, any way."

So while you telling me that parents are teaching your kid that crime does not pay, but ALLOW THEM TO play a game that glorifies stealing automobiles, shooting people with handguns (and shooting cops too), then tell me if you know what a hypocrite is. Obviously Mommy and Daddy didn't spend much time telling you that either...now did they???

Nor do many other parents either (and obviously you too from the way your post reads).

WHY???

Because the problem is.......you are too young, YET TOO STUPID to know the difference.