June 20, 2005
Schumer goes after ultra-violent video game
A new, extremely violent video game release from Eidos Interactive, creators of the blockbuster "Lara Croft" game series, is catching the ire of Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY).
25 to Life is being called 'far worse than Grand Theft Auto' by a number of critics, including Michael Medved on his nationally syndicated radio show today.
The New York Democrat says the objective of the game called "25 to life" is to shoot police officers, and use civilians as human shields.The game's expletive-laden soundtrack is drawing fire also.He says the game is so gruesome that it lowers common decency.
Schumer is asking stores not to stock the game and for PlayStation manufacturer Sony and X-Box maker Microsoft to cancel their licensing agreements with the British company that makes it.
Despite the attacks on the game, teens on internet message boards say they are looking forward to the game.
After two major delays so far, 25 to Life is slated to be released for PS2, Xbox and PCs in September.
Interestingly, there is silence from the Jackson-Sharpton cabal on the negative images of blacks portrayed in this game. Does this mean that it is OK, in their minds, for this kind of image to be presented?
Posted by mhking at June 20, 2005 08:14 PMAn objective is to shoot the police? I'll have to pass on that one. What next ... assassinate the president?
Posted by: The Owner's Manual at June 20, 2005 08:57 PM1. Why do you assume they know about it?
2. Even if they do, what difference do they make? Just like many claim Blacks make too much of racism, don't you make too much of Sharpton, Jackson, and the others?
Or, is Sharpton only good for taking money from Republicans to hurt Democrats?
How about rising up out of the muck? Help out. Spread the word:
http://www.blackselfhelp.info.
Posted by: DarkStar at June 20, 2005 09:18 PMCan't the busybodies in Washington do more than meddle in everyone's private lives? They should mind their own business, let parents decide what their children will be allowed to play, and get back to the business of straightening out this country.
We have a lot more important things than video games to worry about, right now.
Posted by: Tired of the Nany State at June 20, 2005 09:23 PMIf I didn't make Conservative blogs part of my daily readings I would NEVER know what Jackson or Sharpton are doing.
Posted by: BH at June 21, 2005 12:38 PM"let parents decide what their children will be allowed to play"
Hey Tired,
That kind of never-judge-anyone thinking is just fine, until some kid at your kid's school plays the game because his parents let him do anything. Then the kid picks up a gun, goes to school, and starts mowing people down. Maybe your kid, God forbid.
Usually only those without kids make such statements. We don't live in a vacuum - things we do, and decisions we make, DO have an affect on those around us. Denying this is to deny the obvious.
This post comes to you from a 39 year old fan of the GTA series, as well.
TV (Harry)
Posted by: Inspector Callahan at June 22, 2005 04:36 PMThis same controversy came up years ago with Senator Lieberman and games like Mortal Kombat. The issue was whether games like that should even be made. He pressed for a rating system, which is now in place, but not enforced. This took the responsibility off of the game producers and put it on the stores. The net result: publishers are now free to make any content they want, and now a mature rated game is an easily obtainable taboo for kids. Why make a rating system that no one will enforce? The responsibility should and ultimately will always remain on the parents :(
Posted by: Mulligan at June 22, 2005 06:23 PM