corporate_gamer said:
Alone Disciple said:
While I enjoy Rockstar games and will still most likely buy the DLC anyway and beleive in free speech and all that....I just have to ask: "Why Rockstar? Why?"
What relevant point are they trying to make that the game can't be enjoyed by having said pixelated congressman be wearing a towel?
Yes, yes...I get the idea that it's rated 'M', and all the arguments about parents being tuned into what their kids are buying, but the fact being that 'M' titles bought in stores can at least be monitored by astute employees. With DLC, this falls way...way short. Any kid who has a MS points card (not M when purchased) can get the appropriate amount of points and download the game with no checks in place. Anyone with a balance of MS points can download, with no age check in place.
I can understand the 'hidden hot-coffee' code by an over-zealous programmer showing off and giggling behind closed doors, but this is purposely blatant and serves no gaming purpose or game function other than to stir up controversy. You can't tell me or convince me the story would be ruined one iota if the penis was covered by a towel for the few seconds on screen (especially a cut scene). This is sheerly for press coverage only.
I hate to say it, but I have no qualms about those that bring lawsuits against them in this instance. You can't tell me in all their testing, dev talks, layouts, programming, story writing, that no one at Rockstar may have raised an eye-brow at this. They pushed it through anyway.
Maybe a hefty lawsuit in which they lose may send a message to other developers. Should there be an 'X' rating beyond 'M'? And how do you control this in the DLC arena with point cards that are indiscriminate on how they are used.
Stupid. Stuoid. Stupid.
Consider every film there has been with nudity. Do you really think there is no artisitic merit, or character development going on when they do this. Or is it just for the giggle at the genitals. Why should games be held to a higher standard than films, this is a cut scene people, thus negating the arguement that the penis is more real in a videogame as you can do things with it.
Oh and just because they didn't invite you to their discussions, doesn't mean they didn't have conversations about this. They probably did talk about this the whole way through the production of the game and decided to put it in, it says the character has an lack of modesty, quick way of getting that message across is a showing a little penis.
And what message with other developer get from a hefty lawsuit, don't ever do anything that might offend anyone, ever? I'm sure that would do wonders for the industry.
Well certainly I hit a hot button by the amount of personal email and quotes I've received.
Perhaps I need to make a few clarifications:
1- I personally enjoy Rockstar games, own GTA IV, will most likely get the DLC myself for gameplay value, and don't suggest that Rockstar or any other developers start making games.
2- I know litigation is not the answer, nor am I promoting a lawsuit. I'm merely stating "In my own personal opinion", I would not be surprised if a lawsuit is eventually filed, and I'm not gonna lose any sleep over it. Rockstar made it's bed, chose a specific and controversial choice, and must deal with the damages if any. If they win, good for them. If they lose, well, again...can't say this may be a shock to anyone and if they wish to gamble millions of dollars for a sophmoric stunt...hey...it's there money.
3- Yes, technicaly...and I agree with all of you....parents should be resposnible and informed. However, the fact is they aren't. Is it Rockstar's fault? Nope. People are lazy and don't want to read manuals, or place their misguided trust into others to do their parenting for them. Shame on the parents and adults....for sure.
4- Artistic license? Yes, I suppose so...however...that depends on whose viewpoint. Snuff films and scat films may be considered art forms to some, but infuriates others. I realize this a strecth, even by my own standards....but for all those that jumped on me...not one person has explained why a towel couldn't have been used, how this enhances the story or gameplay one iota.
5- Free Speech? Absolutely.....But there plenty of examples on developer censorship. Facebook recently removed a group online that was critical of the Jews in the Gaza strip? Free speech or not? Last year a developer made an indie game which basically allowed players to shoot illegal immigrants. While this falls under free speech, I guarantee you'll never see this on PSN or Xbox Arcade. And it was just last week there was an article here I believe that a Japanese developer is promoting a game that encourages rape. Might be fine in Japan, but will never see the light of day here...Is this a violation of free speech if allowed in Japan but not here? Is Xbox Live and PSN at fault for not carrying the game? It is free speech afterall.
6- I'll be the first one to admit, I don't have an answer. And I've already admitted I play it, and will buy it...but I'm also much older and technical enough to know how to turn the parental controls on for my kid. My own parents still even call me 'cause they can't even figure out the VCR 20 years later. Are they responsible? Of course they are....but in the 'real' world....they will just never get it.
7- I really (really) wasn't meaning to strike such a cord. I'm just merely stating, controls or not, parents responsibilty or not, M vs AO vs X or not, kids can use their MS points to buy this fairly freely, and 90% of parents will never be the wiser. It's more of a statement than looking for an argument with any of you.
8- Someone send me a virtual hug. I need it man. You guys were brutal. My inbox won't walk for a week.
