I caught a little bit of an interview on TV with the producer of a violent football game coming out for various gaming systems. I thought the game's executive producer did a really good job answering the questions.

"Hard Hitting Reporter": This game features graphic violence and other adult elements, like steroid use. Players can even have prostitutes visit their hotel room! Don’t you think this is innappropriate for children?

Game Producer: Well, yes. This game has an "M" rating, which is equivalent to an "R" rating for movies. It's not intended for children under 17.

HHR: Oh, come on now, don't you think children are going to get their hands on this game?

[Adam, shouting at the TV: THAT'S NOT HIS JOB OR RESPONSIBILITY!]

GP: The software ratings board works very much like the movie rating system. It's really up to the parents to monitor what their children are doing. Further, it's a misconception that most gamers are teenagers. That was true 10 years ago, but the average gamer these days is in his late 20's.

HHR: Ok, well, forget about the children. Don't you think that this game has themes that most adults would find reprehensible?

GP: Again, it's not much different than the material found in "R" rated movies and late-night TV shows. Some people will like it, and some people will not. We leave it up to the consumer to make that decision.

HHR: [still searching for some sticking point] Isn't true that the your game has not been endorsed by the NFL? What do you make of that?

GP: Well, first of all, another game company, Electronic Arts, owns exclusive rights to use the NFL brand. Regardless, before that EA deal was made, we made the decision not to approach the NFL about our game. It didn't seem like an appropriate match.

HHR: Ok, well, thank you for your time.

Electronic entertainment, like heavy metal, Dungeons and Dragons, rap music, is the latest media target. I just hope it blows over before anything drastic happens.

Oh yeah, by the way... While gaming has grown to record proportions, crime has fallen to a 30 year low. Kinda makes you think...