Producers Talk Violence in Video Games

Violence in video games is a hot topic in the industry today and a subect of heated discussion in the media, consumer base and government. Even our intern Pepe has an angle on the subject.

Gamasutra has an interview with some of the top producers in the gaming industry on violence in video games, legislation and responsibility. Former Thrill Kill and current Sony producer Harvard Bonin, Bizarre Creations’ Peter O’Brien, Stainless Games’ Ben Gunstone, and Gas Powered Games’ Frank Rogan give their views from an industry standpoint.

Said Bonin on ethical censorship:

“This particular topic is very timely, and also very, very complicated. As the publishing producer of a notable fighting game [Thrill Kill, pictured] that was canceled years ago I believe I have unique insight. Unlike the recent Manhunt saga it was a business and ethical decision – not a governmental censorship issue.”

Noting this, he continued, “There is a key difference in most of the regulatory efforts of our government. The majority of the things the U.S. government regulates simply can’t be done by a reasonable person. I CAN however, judge if media content is suitable for someone under 18. Any reasonably informed, responsible adult can.”

“In reality the government isn’t the actual entity that ‘banned’ Manhunt 2,” Bonin added. “The ESRB, in accordance with its definition simply reviewed Manhunt 2 and gave it an ‘AO’ — or, ‘adults only’ — rating. While the ESRB ratings board was originally created as a response to head off governmental regulatory pressure, the government didn’t direct the ESRB to give Manhunt 2 the rating it received.”

The group have insightful observations on freedom of expression and moral responsibility for creators. Read the full article on Gamasutra.