When I’m picking out a game to play I generally go by ratings and whether I’d want to play it with my nephew or friend’s cousins. You could say I’m sort of family oriented in the way, that I prefer to play games with all ages, and those games have to be appropriate for everyone. Looking into Grand Theft Auto: V, I realized this is more of a solo game I probably wouldn’t be venturing into anytime soon.
Why is the game not appropriate for pre-teens?
What boggles my mind to no extent is how parents willingly buy this game for younger people under the age of 17 (which is the rating). Not only does the game incorporate normal city things such as yoga or tennis, but it also has bong hits and lap dances. The game has many incidents with drugs and violence much beyond what I would have seen as a pre-teen back in my day.
For a franchise that’s sixteen years old, I understand that they’re trying to push the envelope, but including this much violence shocks me–and understanding that their main player-base can sometimes hit younger crowds can even be more surprising.
Shady characters within the game
One of the main characters within Grand Theft Auto: V is Michael, who has criminal impulses that shape his character. Trevor, on the other hand, is Michael’s past partner, who “just wants to watch the world burn.” He’s a murderer within the game, who happens to also be very sympathetic. Franklin just wants money to gain respect and move out of his aunt’s house.
Personally, I won’t be playing this game because I don’t like violence in video games that seems this realistic. I watch the news and I hear enough about these circumstances in real life, I’d rather play a game involving blocks or tri-forces.
My advice to anyone purchasing the game: know that before you play it these actions and circumstances are part of the game. If you plan on buying it for someone younger than 17, make sure they’re mature enough to know right from wrong and that this is a game.
