I was interested in knowing what people had to say about double standards and issues in ESRB (video game) ratings compared to what we've discussed in film ratings. It seems to be the case that video games get a higher rating for sexual content over violence. It also seems to be the case that movies can get away with more sexual content than games historically have been able to. I unfortunately don't have anything good to point towards, besides this: http://www.wired.com/2009/07/game-ratings/ For what it's worth, I've heard of this disparity in games for a while, and I could try to find more articles if that's unconvincing.
I've heard less about it, but it seems like there is a comparable double standard about gay vs straight sexual/romantic content in games. There was a stir when there was (a touch of) gay content in the game Bully (http://www.gamespot.com/articles/bullys-boy-on-boy-scenes-causing-a-stir/1100-6160340/), and there was also uproar from (some) members of the public when gay romantic options were added in Mass Effect (http://www.forbes.com/sites/insertcoin/2012/03/02/mass-effects-gay-debate-shows-gamers-have-growing-up-to-do/). This backlash against gay/lesbian content mostly seems to come from elements of the public, and not any ratings board, however, so I don't know if it exactly compares.
Sorry, this is a bit long and rambly. Any thoughts on standards of what's allowed in video games and how that does and doesn't compare to the film standards we've been discussing?
No comments:
Post a Comment