US parents outraged over 'Active Shooter' video game
Parents in the United States have openly expressed their strong views over a controversial video game which sees gamers playing as the shooter in a simulated school environment.
Over the years, many studies have been done to see the direct impact that video games have on kids.
Forbes reported that the most recent study was published in Pediatrics: The Official Journal Of The American Academy of Pediatrics. The study surveyed 2,436 males and 2,463 females between the ages of 10 and 15, and the results show that it depends on the nature of games. Many parents still believe that games have a negative influence on children, but learning-based games may help increase a child's cognitive skills. Again, it depends on what the game is about.
Read: The five PC games we will never forget
One new and very controversial game called 'Active Shooter' has ruffled the feathers of many parents. The game was designed to simulate the environment of school shootings. Users are able to play as civilians or the shooter in the school.
It was said to be launched on games store, Steam, on June 6th, but The Guardian reported that it would be removed from sale in the store after a massive outcry from parents who signed a petition calling for its removal.
Naturally, many parents in the US would be upset following the spate of shootings over the past few months, with the most talked about taking place back in February when a former student opened fire at a school in Florida, killing 17 people. The news of the shooting sent shockwaves through the US, with many rallies and protests held to end gun violence.
Read: 17 killed in Florida school shooting by former student
I mean, honestly, why even conceptualise this type of game when it’s almost certain it’ll cause an outcry? Personally, I believe that the decision to consider launching this type of game is in poor taste, and I don't think that our children should be exposed to this type of violence, especially when storylines such as these have been occurring in reality.
Also read: Are video games more impactful than school?
Parents - do you think these types of games have a direct influence on the behaviour of your kids? Share your comments with me.