“Grand Theft Auto IV,” the latest incarnation of Rockstar’s wildly successful video-game series, was expected to break a bevy of sales records when the M-rated game was released April 29. It’s already tallied some big-time controversy. The Chicago Transit authority has pulled its ads off its busses, the Parents Television Council want retailers to keep it away from kids, and many advocates say GTA and other violent products can trigger violence in their users.
“These games are patently offensive and violent,” says Minnesota Solicitor General Alan Gilbert.
The GTA series remains wildly popular; a study found it was the most popular game among boys, and some suggest even these violent products have a place.
“Video games are now a social tool for boys,” says Lawrence Kutner, co-author of the book Grand Theft Childhood. He also argues such games help teach children how to solve problems. (USA Today)
