10 Overblown Video Game Controversies

The open-world crime simulator Grand Theft Auto has always been rife with controversial moments. The game is a reflection on the sleazy, corrupt side of society that we exist in, and will often share satirical parodies or uncomfortable scenes to remind us as such.

A petition was started by a group of angry mothers to force the Australian branch of Target stores to ban the game, stating that it “encourages players to murder women for entertainment", and that they “commit sexual violence against women...[to] get 'health' points".

They really went all out by exclaiming that Grand Theft Auto V “literally makes a game of bashing, killing, and horrific violence against women", linking “sexual arousal and violence".

While the protestors might have easily turned a blind eye and refused to purchase the game for their children (since they alone obviously can't buy it), there are countless logical counter-arguments and statistics to prove that there is no link between violent video games and violent or misogynistic behaviour in reality.

Anyone who's actually played the game for more than twenty seconds will know that the game does not force players to kill women. Virtually all of the baddies are male. Plenty of men roam the streets, and the player can harm them, too. But no one cares about that, because equality.

Since health regenerates, health is not gained by killing women, or anyone for that matter. And for goodness sake, who honestly gets turned on by harming virtual depictions of females in games, anyway?

Despite the ridiculous accusations, the game was censored. Not that Rockstar must've cared, as seen by the awards and money earned.