The East County Youth Coalition, in conjunction with a number of other organizations has conducted an undercover survey to see just how often children can get their hands on adult-oriented videogames and the results are disappointing to say the least. Of over 60 stores nationwide, 46% had no problem putting games like Narc into the hands of eager kiddies. This isn't good.
We here at Destructoid have voiced our support of adult games many times in the past, but we agree that ratings need to be listened to in order for our arguments to be taken seriously. It's very well saying certain games aren't aimed at kids, but store workers need to pull their bloody fingers out and actually pay some attention. This isn't the videogame industry's fault, but it's certainly the industry that will get it in the neck, not the dumb twat at GameStop who was too busy thinking about how drunk he'd be getting that night to refuse sale of an M-rated game to a minor.
That's the crux of the issue here -- you can bet for sure that videogames themselves will be the focus of blame here when it's not really their fault. It's being claimed that kids as young as seven can get their hands on M-rated games without adult supervision near 50% of the time, something that is completely undermining the games industry in the face of angry parents and watchdog groups.
That said, no child of seven should be out buying games on his own anyway. Let's not forget the role of the parent in all this, as well. Seriously ... is it too much to ask that everybody grow themselves a bloody brain?
[Tipped by Aerox, who rox]
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
Likes
PS2, iPod Touch, Silent Hill 2, Metal Gear Solid, Dynasty Warriors 3
Meet the rest of the team
| BBcode help |
| [b]Bold text[/b] |
Bold text |
| [i]Italic text[/i] |
Italic text |
| [url]http://www.dtoid.com/[/url] |
http://www.dtoid.com |
| [url=http://www.dtoid.com/]Web link[/url] |
Web link |
|
| [img]http://www.example.com/robot.jpg[/img] |
 |
Post a comment! You can also post a photo below:
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
19 comments | showing # 1 to 19
|
Comment with Facebook
Click connect and comment instantly!
|
Comment with Dtoid
New? SIGN UP - it takes 5 seconds
|
Comments policy
Destructoid is an open discussion community. You don't need to "audition" to post a comment - just speak your mind. We respect differing opinions on the site, so have at it. Be smart, funny, insightful, clueless, or cute -- but back it up with substance. Keep your cool, keep it fun. We only ask that you act respectfully and above all: don't be a troll and ruin it for everyone else. Don't bring down gamers or we'll, you know, gently shoot you in the face and stuff you into a flaming mailbox. Each comment is your opportuntity to make this community awesomer. Is that even a word?
Avoiding the banhammer only requires common sense: spamming, trolling, racism, NSFW stuff, and other forms of sucking will not be tolerated. If anyone is griefing please report abuse. Be good. Don't suck!
Contest:
5:32 PM on 11.22.2007
| 
Sextronics Boutique?
Boobages?
I would be cool if they actually sold some sort of Porn/Videogame hybrid, I think its a market that isn't really tapped. The main problem is the perceived age of gamers(kids) vs the actual(average age 32, 39 in Canada).
@Mikey
There isn't anything wrong with that, if a parent believes that their child should be able to play a game, who is the Gamestop employee to stop him?
^_^ what a nice guy.
That's the only, repeat ONLY way to solve this. Ever.
If i was seven i would want me some manhunt 2, and so would you.
kids are shits.
How many arnie flicks had you watched at that age? people keep trotting out the whole parallels between cinema and games and i suppose it holds true. Kids want dirty violent stuff, and fuckin good for 'em i say.
What country do you live in? Here we only have R-rated movies.
How sad is that?
I have refused so many sales based on age.
This usually means shop clerks try harder to notice the difference.
That's a good idea, they should have the ages printed right on the box for parents who are too stupid and neglectful to do their homework.
Also LOL @ Boobages