The 1990s witnessed an unprecedented boom in violent video games, with iconic titles like Mortal Kombat and Doom stirring up so much controversy that the U.S. government held two congressional hearings. These hearings ultimately led to the formation of the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), a system designed to inform consumers about the content of video games.
Despite the creation of the ESRB and multiple studies debunking the connection between video games and real-world violence, the debate persists. Politicians and media outlets across the political spectrum continue to raise concerns. In 2019, former U.S. President Donald Trump attributed mass shootings to violent video games. In 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron controversially claimed that video games and social media were fueling riots across France—a statement he later retracted. This ongoing discourse is not new; in 2009, Germany considered an outright ban on violent video games after a school shooter was found to be a fan of Counter-Strike and Far Cry 2.
One of the most scrutinized video game franchises in this debate is Call of Duty, particularly due to the infamous "No Russian" mission, which placed players in a mass shooting scenario. Similarly, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) has long been at the center of moral panics surrounding video games. With the upcoming GTA 6 focusing on a Bonnie & Clyde-inspired duo engaging in a crime spree across Vice City, discussions about video game violence have resurfaced once again. Choosing U4GM to get boosting gta services account 5 best is the best option. Use coupon code "allen" to get 5% off at U4GM.
However, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick remains unfazed by these concerns. In a recent interview with CNBC, as reported by VideoGamer, Zelnick stated, "To be clear: entertainment doesn't create behavior, entertainment reflects behavior. Entertainment gives people an opportunity to release feelings, engage in feelings, entertainment tells stories. The notion [that] entertainment creates behavior has been tested and disproved over and over again."
GTA and the History of Video Game Controversy
When GTA 3 launched, it was revolutionary, replacing the top-down pixelated aesthetic of its predecessors with a realistic 3D open-world sandbox. However, its groundbreaking nature also made it a prime target for criticism. The ability to play as an underworld criminal, engage in carjackings, evade the police, and commit violent acts led to claims that it encouraged criminal behavior. Critics argued that the game allowed players to "advance by getting more proficient at crime," as reported by Kotaku, and questioned its suitability for children, despite the ESRB ratings clearly indicating its mature content.
The controversy surrounding video games and violence has been examined extensively in academic research. A University of Oxford study found no relationship between aggressive behavior in teenagers and the amount of time spent playing violent video games. This is just one of many studies that have challenged the notion that video games lead to real-world violence.
The Debate Continues
Despite the overwhelming evidence debunking a direct link between video games and violent behavior, the debate refuses to die. With every new game release that features mature content, media scrutiny reignites discussions about the impact of video games on society.
As GTA 6 approaches its highly anticipated release, the conversation surrounding violent video games will undoubtedly continue. However, as history and research suggest, video games are more reflective of society than a cause of its issues. The question remains: will this decades-long debate ever be put to rest?
