Detroit Prosecutor Issues Annual List of Violent Games to Avoid for Holidays

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Prosecutor Kym Worthy thinks that violent video games play a role in increasing crime rates.  To combat this trend, she has been issuing an annual list of 10 violent games for parents to avoid purchasing for their children.

About gaming, Worthy says “It’s no wonder we’re seeing the crimes we’re seeing lately…  Please do not buy these video games and bring them into your home. It desensitizes [children] to violent acts.”

Here is her list of games.

1. Grand Theft Auto
2. Manhunt
3. Scarface
4. 50 Cent Bulletproof
5. 300
6. The Godfather
7. Killer-7
8. Resident Evil 4
9. God of War
10. Hitman Blood Money

Her method for choosing titles is unclear, as Bulletproof, among others, is an older title that isn’t especially in demand.  Also, the list obviously generalizes titles, since she’s probably referencing the recently released Manhunt 2 although her list has the original title listed.

The Detroit News, reporting on her list, stated that “violent content of video games is almost as bad as smoking”, citing the University of Michigan ‘s research study.  According to the research, the “effect of media violence is the same or larger than the effect size of many other recognized threats to public health…The only effect slightly larger than the effect of media violence on aggression is that of cigarette smoking on lung cancer.”