We had to double check this to make sure we weren't reading it wrong. Newspaper The Guardian has published a piece defending video games, stating that children denied access to games are "deprived" of a "rich and magical experience". It's all gone a bit hippy-ish over here.
The opinion piece, penned by writer Naomi Alderman, calls the recent government report by Tanya Byron "eminently sensible", and even defends Rockstar and Grand Theft Auto.
"Dr Tanya Byron's eminently sensible report last month on children and new technology emphasized the many opportunities for fun and learning that games provide," says Alderman. "But the media coverage focused on the usual fears and worries.
"Byron said that we need to move away from talking about computer games 'causing harm'; in response, TV and newspapers showed stills from games with titles like Manhunt and God of War. Byron said children need to be 'empowered to keep themselves safe'; newspapers said computers and televisions should be kept in communal spaces in the home."
"The world of Grand Theft Auto does contain violence and misogyny; but then, so does The Godfather, or Goodfellas," the article continues. "GTA3 is set in a tough, dangerous world. Johnson is trying to clean up his neighbourhood. But as a dispossessed, orphaned young black man, he has no option but to re-form his neighbourhood gang to do so. The makers of this game, like the makers of any movie about gangland, can stand squarely behind the art they have created and say: this represents reality. If it offends you, don't criticise the art, but take action to improve the world around you."
The Guardian piece also puts some blame on parents themselves, calling on them - like the Byron report - to try and understand what their kids are playing.
"Clearly, these themes [in GTA] are not suitable for young children. But just as a responsible parent wouldn't hand their child a copy of American Psycho or sit them down in front of Marathon Man without any further discussion or comment, games can and should be part of the ongoing conversation between parents and children about the world."
"The gaming world isn't filled only with violence and depravity. In fact, it's mostly enchanting," the article continues. "Computer games can be works of art and literature - they're still developing. The stories they can tell, and the experiences they provide, are increasingly sophisticated and glorious. And that, of course, is the point."
"The world that today's 10-year-olds grow into will offer so many rich experiences via video games: the real neglect would be to deny our children the opportunity to understand and enjoy them."
We're going back to re-read this now. Did she definitely not say Bully should be banned?
Are they doing this because they truly believe in it or just to be different to right- wing press such as the Daily Torygraph and the Daily Fail? Or support government decisions after reading the report?
That doesn't matter because the Guardians audience are being told a more sensible truth either way.
This article basically sums up the view of every mature game player. She obviously knwos what she's talking about as well (contary to all those other journalists out there) and basically gives a balanced opinion.
One minute they are saying how bad gta is the next they are saying how all children should be allowed to play it!
It's not even funny how dumb you are. Read the article. The article says the complete opposite of "All children should be allowed to play GTA."
I love Tanya Byron. Since the report came out she's held a special place in my heart as someone defending sensible people's right to choose what they do.
And that her report has inspired articles like this one only goes to further my appreciation.
I'd prefer it if parents don't let their kids play games. That would mean that my kids will have an advantage over their deprived progeny.
The other day, I sat my son down in front of Civ 4 and he was fascinated. The speed with which he understood the importance of good city location in terms of agriculture, travel and defence was astounding.
I'd prefer it if parents don't let their kids play games. That would mean that my kids will have an advantage over their deprived progeny.
The other day, I sat my son down in front of Civ 4 and he was fascinated. The speed with which he understood the importance of good city location in terms of agriculture, travel and defence was astounding.
Next week, Shogun: Total War!
If the two of you ever master Imperium Galactica 2, gimme a yell. If anyone can finish that I want video proof
Comic books had the same problem in the 50's/60's when the comic code was introduced to cut down on violence in comics, and I just hope the same doesn't happen with video games. Good article though.
Love it. It's not surprising that articles which give a balanced and informed view in the popular press are so few and far between.
It'll always be the case that the gutter press release inflammatory and ill-informed views until put in a position where they have to do otherwise. It involves zero research and sells most papers. In their shoes most people would probably do the same. That doesn't make it any less disappointing though.
For the first time, I'm reading a mainstream journalist article concerning videogames, and I can actually tell this is someone who knows what the hell they're talking about.
It's always about violence getting into kids hands, but the argument against is so obvious... this is rational thinking, finally.
This is great news, finally finding a journalist that know's what they're talking about. Although CJ was in San Andreas not GTA 3 Do you think those idiots over at the daily mail will have something to say about this?
Just as it takes right-wing non-gamers to call for censorship, it takes a left-wing gamer to call for calm. I don't agree with everything Ms Alderman has to say - GTA never REALLY endorses non-violent social behaviour - but her central point about parents needing to engage with modern art-forms is undeniable.
Damm right. At last, a media article actually defending games. Yes just like films, games can be violent and for mature audiences, but they can also be enchanting with great games like Sonic The Hedgehog, and realistic with games such as Test Drive Unlimited.
You can't condem or condone all games as they are all individual products and vary greatly from game to game just like the film industry. It is refreshing to finally see a sensible article being publushed by a newspaper. At least they finally got their facts right this time before going to press.
Damm right. At last, a media article actually defending games. Yes just like films, games can be violent and for mature audiences, but they can also be enchanting with great games like Sonic The Hedgehog, and realistic with games such as Test Drive Unlimited.
You can't condem or condone all games as they are all individual products and vary greatly from game to game just like the film industry. It is refreshing to finally see a sensible article being published by a newspaper. At least they finally got their facts right this time before going to press.
I just saw that the Daily Mirror are giving away Alan Partridge series one and two for free. I haven't felt this torn in a while. Off topic but note-worthy
The Guardian has always been very liberal and very rarely resorts to sensationalism. When the Byron report was first announced, they even dedicated a whole supplement to games and really gave a balanced opinion of the part they play in society. Bravo, The Guardian, bravo!
Hang on did the article say kids should be allowed to play GTA4? Now thats wrong, it would be like taking youre 12 year old to see the film Pathology which I saw last night. Which I found disturbing to say the least.
P.S Someone do tell me if I have mis quoted or taken the GTA comment out of context.
I just saw that the Daily Mirror are giving away Alan Partridge series one and two for free. I haven't felt this torn in a while. Off topic but note-worthy
You could pirate them and donate the price of the paper to charity...
It is good to see some sense coming from the media when it comes to coverage of video games. The Guardian does have a good coverage of videos games and has a fair and balanced view of it.
It is a shame that right wing nutters at the Daily Mail (Daily Fail) and other such newspapers can not see the value of video games and insist that they are "destroying our children's innocence" and that we should "think of the children".
I sometimes wonder why I even still live in this country...
There's nothing wrong with having a union jack or St Georges Cross Flag in you're garden or anywhere. It does not make you a facist, becuase if that was the case then most of the population of the USA would be fascists.
Ok everyone, this is getting a bit social/Politcal and has nothing to do with games, so that will be my final comment on the matter.
There's nothing wrong with having a union jack or St Georges Cross Flag in you're garden or anywhere. It does not make you a facist, becuase if that was the case then most of the population of the USA would be fascists.
Ok everyone, this is getting a bit social/Politcal and has nothing to do with games, so that will be my final comment on the matter.
Most of the population in USA are fascists My word, you ever read the pledge of alleigence? Let's be honest, the USA is hardly democratic, I mean George Bush JR got less votes then Al Gore, cheated in the Florida primaries and stuck two fingers up at the world when he declared war on the middle east. And to think they have the cheek to moan at Zimbabwe for not holding "fair" elections
In all fairness, the getting less votes thing has happened in this country a few times. I think Churchill got in once because of it (or got kicked out - one of them ). Its one of the slightly non-intuitive things that can happen in a first-past-the-post electoral system. Its not ideal, but neither is proportional representation. The problem with PR is that it tends to lead to very unstable coalition govts. Just look at Italy!
In fact, I think I'll break the unwritten rule, and invoke the fall of the Weimar Republic. The PR system allowed a fringe party (in this case the National Socialists) to gain a foothold. They expanded on this, but still never gained more than about %35 of the votes. It was by forming a coalition with the leading Catholic party that they gained the votes to alter the constitution, install Hitler, and give him emergency powers.
Anyway, enough politics, and back on topic.
Go Guardian! (even if it is designed for organic meusli lovers)
LOL "videogames as a story telling medium"...That's a good one. I guess I'm confused as to what videogame tells a good story.
Just to name a few of the top of my head...
Bioshock System Shock 2 Shadow of The Colossus Half Life 2 Final Fantasy 7 Knights of The Old Rebublic Metal Gear Solid Halo Abe's Odyssey
Anyway, the article is a completely welcome breath of fresh air after stuff like the mass effect farce and the Anne Diamond reviews. Although, it's a sad state of affairs when in reality all the article has actually done is to not be completely ignorant.
Not a complete surprise from the newspaper that also employs the mighty Charlie Brooker, friend of consolevania and videogaiden, who regularly espouses the glories of gaming in his columns. He recently wrote a fantastic article in which (amongst other things) he outlined why HL2 > most recent sci-fi movies.
If a rational, balanced press response to the recent sensationalist redtop parent-baiting nonsense was going to come from anywhere, it was always going to come from the Guardian.
Yay! A level-headed attitude to computer games for a change. Anne Diamond and her union-jack waving pals over at The Mail can f*ck right off.
Go on, join me and be 'a bit left' by buying a copy of The Guardian at the tube every morning (unless you used all your change at Costa already)
What's wrong with waving the Union Jack ?
Nothing, unless you're a right-wing, daily mail reading fascist shouting "protect our children".
(I'm from the UK by the way)
You're getting your right wing mixed up with your left wing! its the left who traditionally depicts the Union Jake (yes that is the real name not the Union Flag as left wing whingers made us change it to because the Union Jack was seen as a racist symbol of Britain adopted by skinheads, the BNP etc, and they couldn't ban the flag so changed the name instead, next time you hear our flag mentioned in the media take note, they will say the Union Flag not jack). The left is synonmious with things like human rights (which seems to give terrorist and other criminals more rights then victims they target.) amongst other things. The right wing would rather just execute terrorist (me too) while waving the Union Jack!
Yay! A level-headed attitude to computer games for a change. Anne Diamond and her union-jack waving pals over at The Mail can f*ck right off.
Go on, join me and be 'a bit left' by buying a copy of The Guardian at the tube every morning (unless you used all your change at Costa already)
What's wrong with waving the Union Jack ?
Nothing, unless you're a right-wing, daily mail reading fascist shouting "protect our children".
(I'm from the UK by the way)
You're getting your right wing mixed up with your left wing! its the left who traditionally depicts the Union Jake (yes that is the real name not the Union Flag as left wing whingers made us change it to because the Union Jack was seen as a racist symbol of Britain adopted by skinheads, the BNP etc, and they couldn't ban the flag so changed the name instead, next time you hear our flag mentioned in the media take note, they will say the Union Flag not jack). The left is synonmious with things like human rights (which seems to give terrorist and other criminals more rights then victims they target.) amongst other things. The right wing would rather just execute terrorist (me too) while waving the Union Jack!
Erm, I don't really understand what you're getting at? By all means be conservative and wave a flag if you like, there's nothing wrong with either, they're just not my cup of tea.
Besides, you seem to be agreeing with me, the union jake/jack/flag/whatever has been widely hijacked by skinheads/nazis/the BNP etc and is also toted by tabloids like the daily mail in a 'protect our british values by banning anything I don't like as middle-class surrey dweller' kind of way. THAT was my point. And the skinheads weren't originally racist by the way, just like flag waving at Morrissey gigs.
And let it stop there. Wrong place for this sort of discussion. We should be rejoicing, not bickering. Finally, all fanboys have a common cause for jubilation (and non-fanboys as well).
Does anyone know if the Daily Mail has a videogames section at all? The Independent has one once a week...
And let it stop there. Wrong place for this sort of discussion. We should be rejoicing, not bickering. Finally, all fanboys have a common cause for jubilation (and non-fanboys as well).
Does anyone know if the Daily Mail has a videogames section at all? The Independent has one once a week...
Good idea. I just couldn't let it go when my comments were misinterpreted/misunderstood as britain bashing. If you want to wave flags that's fine by me.
They are defending something they don't understand. The Guardian's writers are too detatched from common society that they can't even name the game they're defending. GTA3 was about hookers, the mafia and generally organised crime. San Andreas was about gang wars, drug abuse and gambling. So how are these themes enlightening for kids?
There are games for kids and there are games for adults. Simple to understand. The kids I know who play games like San An can't grasp the themes of what they are playing, and emulate them on the streets.
Ok some 'older' games are better for kids. I don't see Halo being a problem. They can't exactly emulate killing the covenant can they? But its a teen/young adult game really.
I'm just ranting really because I do not want 8 year old kids playing GTA4 online or COD4, or anything they think they're good with. Annoying little s**t's. They never stop talking, and killing them doesn't solve it.
the Gruniaad, has always been very open minded to anything truly media/arts related, has a regular games review section in 'the guide' (which can be as scathing as any 'pro' reviews you read, and has a fantastically funny main contributor/television presenter in charlie brooker (who judging via a few articles written from him knows 'his games' saturday gruniaad FTW
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