Violent Games

Do you think games can be too violent?

Whether games can be too violent is a sensitive topic and I think, for me personally, that are certain games where I find intent is the issue. There are plenty of violent games out there, and plenty of violent films out there, but when you look intent of it, if it's offering nothing but the violence for violence's sake, that's where I become uncomfortable, personally. There's obviously concern about games that veer towards murder scenes and exploiting big tragedies. That's where I think you're treading on a pretty dangerous ground..

Can games cause aggression in players?

I don't think that games cause aggression. I think it's an issue for the personality of the individual involved. There are obviously more complex issues involved for someone who's going to become aggressive after playing a violent game.

Could a violent game ever cross the line of social responsibility?

Games never purported to have a social responsibility, but that said, they're out in the public domain, so they are going to be viewed by all different sort of audiences. I think that's why we have a rating system, and it's up to the rating system board to classify things correctly. I think it's up to the publishers and vendors, the parents, and the consumers, to make sure they are following those game guidelines.