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Violence and Sex Don't Equal Maturity

March 08, 2009 in Blog comments 12

In the face of recent controversy within the gaming industry that's centered around what is or isn't acceptable, Ryan Rigney of SlapStic.com gently reminds readers to consider some things when determining what level of content is or isn't offensive.

Before I begin, I must warn you that the argument I present in this article will be a rather one-sided one, as I refuse to play devils advocate for a position that is filled by too many already. With that in mind, try to have an open mind about the subject at hand.
RKRigney via slapstic.com »
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  • 0
    Big A2 Mar 8, 09
    While this is something I've known for awhile, thanks for writing this to give other people a wake-up call.
    • 0
      RKRigney Mar 9, 09
      Thanks, A2! Yeah I'm sure lots of people have grimaced and thought things like this every time another "I want more sex in games" article pops up, and I'm with them; that's why I wrote it.
  • 1
    Seeker X Mar 9, 09
    I don't think there's anybody that's gonna disagree with that, mainly because you've pretty much detailed what a lot of people agree with anyways. Explicit content without substance = tasteless. That much is pretty obvious, the other article didn't state anything about putting forth more material like it for the sake of laughs and whatnot. The article specifically took a quote showing some immature response to The Lost and Damned's scene as a means to prove its point. It probably worded SOMETHING wrong because we all know that it doesn't automatically lead to "maturity".

    So all in all...

    There's Trainspotting: 5 star movie, frontal nudity, strong sexual content, heavy drug references, etc.

    Then there's your generic sex humored teen movie.
    • 0
      RKRigney Mar 9, 09
      Here's an article from someone who disagrees: http://www.gamernode.com/columns/76-jorge-albor/7768-in-the-nude-for-games/index.html

      This guy states that nudity is required for games to move forward. I think that's a load of crap.
      • 2
        Seeker X Mar 9, 09
        quote
        In fact, gratuitous and tasteless nudity might be exactly what we need to advance mature storyelling in the videogame industry.
        I disagree with his statement there. I believe we need more complex storytelling AND cleverly use explicit content while they're at it.

        But he has good reasoning behind it:

        quote
        The thought that a flaccid male penis can in any way heighten the controversy of a game in which civilians are routinely slaughtered is a little much in my opinion,
        So like I said, it IS necessary to move forward. Look at how ridiculous people react to nudity in video games still (see Mass Effect as well). If there's no Trainspotting, people will never get past this ridiculous state of mind.
  • 1
    Aussie Legend Mar 9, 09
    I must say I 100% agree with this story.

    So it gets my stamp of approval...

    *stamp*

    EDIT: I would also put swearing into this category tbh.
  • 1
    BANDITO ATTACK Mar 9, 09
    mature isn't supposed to mean 'cultured and sophisticated'. it means 'not appropriate for children'. video games were originally meant as entertainment for kids (or at least younger audiences), and the ratings systems were put in place to let people know 'hey this video game actually isnt for kids, so watch out mom' - not to say 'this is mature because it was masterfully written and its intelligent and blah blah'
    • 1
      Big A2 Mar 9, 09
      quote
      mature isn't supposed to mean 'cultured and sophisticated'.
      Where I live, educated land, it does.

      quote
      ma·ture (m-tyr, -tr, -chr)
      adj. ma·tur·er, ma·tur·est
      1.
      a. Having reached full natural growth or development: a mature cell.
      b. Having reached a desired or final condition; ripe: a mature cheese.
      2. Of, relating to, or characteristic of full development, either mental or physical: mature for her age.
      3.
      a. Suitable or intended for adults: mature subject matter.
      b. Composed of adults: a mature audience.
      4. Worked out fully by the mind; considered: a mature plan of action.
      5. Having reached the limit of its time; due: a mature bond.
      6. No longer subject to great expansion or development. Used of an industry, a market, or a product.
      7. Geology Having reached maximum development of form. Used of streams and landforms.
      • 0
        BANDITO ATTACK Mar 9, 09
        i meant as far as how it is applied to video game ratings. i have attended 6th grade english - i'm aware of what the word means.
        • 0
          HisServant77 Mar 10, 09
          Yes, Bandito, but you have to remember that Mature, in regard to the article and what we are talking about, is not about "ratings" but rather real life maturity. Maturity as it applies to real life, which is what Big defined.
  • 0
    Tiger of Wu Mar 9, 09
    I was about to say 'duh' but then remembered this is the internet, so here it isn't common knowledge.
  • 0
    HisServant77 Mar 9, 09
    I agree Ryan. Glad you posted that! And I'm with Aussie up there too, profanity is also in my list of things not equal to maturity.

    (Now add a bunch of language that makes you get out a dictionary, and we're talking mature. HAHA--half joking there. But it sure would be hilarious)

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