Based on conversations Amanda and I have been engaged in over the past few days, and also follow-up conversations that I have had with coworkers and friends, I wanted to pose the question of those who read regularly here:
Can a Christian in good conscience play a game like Grand Theft Auto IV?
(If you have not been paying attention, or would like a refresher, there is an excellent source of information geared towards parents here that will help you understand. It’s written in a very even-handed way and tries not to push one side of the argument over another.)
I’ve also started a conversation on Wittenberg Trail about this very topic, to try and get some feedback from others.
To be honest, I’m not sure where I stand on the whole thing.
To be sure, the Grand Theft Auto series has—for a long time—been a high mark in the video game industry of cultural commentary, ironic and satiric humor, and a great deal of in-game violence and (more recently) sexual content. It’s roughly analogous to an R-rated movie, though from what I’ve heard recently of many movies that have come out, it’s actually not as bad as many R-rated movies.
The game is clearly designed for “adults.” Children should in no way be exposed to something like GTA. But does that mean that adults should be, either? It’s a difficult question for me. Does it affect my conscience? Is it different because I know that I am not affecting real people?
What’s the true draw of something like GTA, anyway? Pure escapism, or something else? Is it the free nature of the game world, where you are able to go anywhere and do anything? (You still have game consequences from law enforcement if you draw their ire.)
And if it is escapism, is there something to be said for the fact that you are roleplaying a criminal (albeit a reluctant one)? The main character is involved in felonious acts throughout the game. Is it bad form to act out these things against virtual worlds and imaginary people? Is it just a more complicated version of playing cops and robbers, or is it something different?
GTA IV is drawing the highest ratings of any game in the history of the medium. It is being hailed as a new watermark in storytelling and free-roaming gameplay, as well as presentation and design. Because of these things and the pedigree of the series, I very much want to play it—but should I do so?
I’m giving it serious thought.