Keith Boesky on Why Games and Porn Are Looked at Similarly

It might seem like a strange concept, but in a post on Level Up, Keith Boesky provided some interesting insight into the public’s perception of gaming, and how we’re all to blame.

It could be the misconception that games are only for kids, combined with the sophisticated and sometimes violent content contained in games aimed at the average player–who happens to be 33 years old. Looking at trailers from Grand Theft Auto IV will provide no greater understanding of the feel of playing the game, or its contextual violence, than looking at a medley of death scenes from “The Sopranos” communicates the familial bond portrayed on the show. “The Sopranos” was not for kids and was not written as if it were. But if the public thought it was available on the Disney channel, they would be upset.

I think I am on to something. The majority of the public does not know what is in a game, or what goes into making one, but they still think we sell mature content to kids.

He draws some interesting parallels between the two subjects that certainly make it worth a read if you’re interested in seeing this industry make any sort of move in the general direction of respect. He’s by no means equating the games industry to the porn industry, but by all outward appearances, how is the general public NOT supposed to look at the two in the same light?

If nothing else, it’s some interesting food for thought.