Media frenzy helps updates of controversial games

BBFC look into violent games

The BBFC ratings board (from the UK) have been looking into the scourge of violent videogames, and have reached the conclusion (shock, horror) that titles grabbing mainstream headlines are more likely to appeal to the game buying public.

While the report finds that the media help promote violent games, and their frequently controversial sequels, the BBFC do reject claims that games can have a more damaging effect on youngsters because of the interactive nature of the gameplay. In fact, interactive play actually reminds players they are involved in a game - states the report.

"We were particularly interested to see that this research suggests that, far from having a potentially negative impact on the reaction of the player, the very fact that they have to interact with the game seems to keep them more firmly rooted in reality," explained David Cooke, director of the BBFC.

"People who do not play games raise concerns about their engrossing nature, assuming that players are also emotionally engrossed. This research suggest the opposite - a range of factors seem to make them less emotionally involving than film or television," he added.

Cooke even stands up for Manhunt, stating that media perception can prove key to games industry pariahs such as this title.

"The reason that Manhunt is so difficult for everyone to deal with is that it doesn't let you dodge this fact, that you like pretending to be a murderer."

"It's an extremely good game and very moral game. It's a great shame that the games industry wasn't prepared to stand up for it."

Source: GamesIndustry.biz

By Luke Guttridge