The REAL Grand Theft Auto

Uh-oh. I've played this game a couple of times and it was surely violent. It teaches you strategies in a very compromising and twisted situation. It depicts you, the player, committing all crimes available to imprison you and charge a possible death penalty. Every crime like robbery, arson, vandalism and murder are experienced. But undeniably, it is one of the most successful and popular games in PS history. I also understand the entertainment and mental exercise that the game promises, but is it all worth it?



I've never been much of a fan or follower of Grand Theft because the story line suggests graphic violence in real life settings like in any normal neighborhood. We're fine with the gunshots and anti-terrorist concepts like what Counter Strike popularized because it concentrates more on team work, real military strategies with the manner of death and violence not graphically enhanced, but with Grand Theft Auto, there's something hands on and socially relevant above mere strategies and entertainment.

Anti-violence groups lobbied against it, I'm sure, but it's just a video game, right? It's all in the responsibility and the mental capacity of the player to make it practically harmless. That is, until a Thai juvenile robbed and killed a cab driver, just because he wants to have money to continue playing the video game. He used the strategy, by the way, from Grand Theft Auto.

Do we need more data? Who's responsible now?


Picture sources:
http://www.gadaily.com/media/news/GTAIV.jpg
http://a.abcnews.com/images/WN/ap_manhunt2_071030_ms.jpg