Gamestop ponders retailing of AO-rated games |
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In a recent report by Gamasutra, GameStop Senior VP for Marketing Bob McKenzie was quoted discussing his company's position on Adult Only-rated games. It might shock some, but he says they're considering vending such games.That statement is pretty big considering the recent wave of controversy that surrounds Take-Two Interactive's Manhunt 2. The retailer just might be seen in the near future peddling the title, along with other similarly-themed titles.
In an industry where image projection is vital, very few retailers and publishers would dare touch projects which show explicit violence which exceed today's norms. GameStop, however, says that the rating system upheld by the ESRB works and it's the consumer's last say whether or not he wants to purchase a product.
"I think that it is an opportunity that we would have to look at on a case-by-case," says McKenzie. "In [the case of Manhunt], I'm glad that Rockstar went back, reworked it, and it will be M rated. I can't say that we would have supported it at AO, and I can't say that we won't."
"I believe that it is our responsibility as an industry and as a retailer to educate the consumer that there are choices," he adds. "That these things do mean something; for every game that is rated M, there is a reason that it is."
So, will we see more AO content in store shelves soon? Everything's still up on the air, and critics will have a lot to say should the move come into fruition. What do you think? Should we make our own choices or should the industry continue making it for us?
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Comments [refresh]
We are men. We like grotesque violence and vivid sex.
They should both because it'd be a good idea because people will buy them, and also because people have a right to buy them.
I don't think I would buy the unedited, AO version of Manhunt 2. Killing a prostitute in a bar, beheading her, and then having sex with her dead, beheaded body? That is pushing it a little too far. But if people want that, they should be able to buy it.
I hope thinking like this continues. We need to have AO titles available for purchase. Games should not be toned-down to meet some needs. It's basically the equivalent of X-rated flicks. Sure, some people might be offended by the content, but then again you SHOULD know what you're buying by the label! That's like buying American Pie or Psycho or something, reading the R rating, and then being shocked when you see nudity/gore!
maybe not the body, but defiantly the severed head.... that is if it's still warm
I like the message they are sending out.
Hopefully other media's will hear and broadcast
this news. And so said... shall it echo through out
time.
wasn't edited. ESRB basically admitted they screwed the pooch with the AO rating, probably because of the basd press the game had got.
And I have no idea where you're getting this beheaded hooker sex deal from...
Then it might give me a reason to visit that crap store.
we really don't need EXTREMLY VIOLENT GAMES especially in today's world. Don't get me wrong, Halo and Battlefront are okay, but explicit violence is not needed influencing people today. Somebody died in my neiborhood from a sniper shooting because he was under the influence of Manhunt and Drugs, and Alcohol. Any AO video game is as dangerous as drugs or alcohol because a kid can get a hold of the game. just bad stuff. I do not support AO games. M games are more than enough dose of violence and/or graphic scences.
I don't remember exactly where I read it, it was actually on QJ I think, but I found someone who quoted the same article I read on another forum. It goes like this:
"The ultra-violent videogame Manhunt 2 allows you to rape a woman shortly after you beheaded her in the brothel level called Honey Pot. Members of the ESRB were shocked when Daniel Lamb used his male reproduction organ and simulated a penetration in the bloody hole. Other gruesome parts include microwaving a living cat to death and being a witness of necrophilia in a cemetery..."
This is part of the reason it has received an AO rating in America, and it was banned in the UK for this.
not any of the 3 console compainies will allow AO games to be released on it.... so if gamestop did carry them they would be PC-only
ebgames and gamestop suck so much now. they used to be good. but not anymore.
I wouldn't say we all like grotesque violence but its very important especially in the states that we(the people) make our own choices in what we buy with our own money and to make our first amendment rights continue.
I fully understand there take on stocking AO games and i will support anyone that does.