Saints Row 2: Barely Out and Already Stirring Controversy

Saints Row 2 has barely been out for more than a week, and it’s already rumored to be worse than Grand Theft Auto IV. And with all the controversy stirred by GTA IV, of course Saints Row 2 should be the center of media controversy already. By nature, the “violent” video games are condemned by many conservatives, but there’s something about the GTA and Saints Row series that really seems to annoy a portion of the population. So what is it this time?

According to a report in the New York Daily news, New York’s finest, the NYPD, have a slight issue with the game. Patrick Lynch, a union boss for NYPD, claims that the game will (along with others like it) “desensitize young people to violence while encouraging depravity, immorality while glorifying criminal behavior.” Now that doesn’t sound anything like something a game about gangs would do, right?

Well, maybe, but isn’t there a certain point where officials need to realize that a video game is just that…a game?

Like political satires (such as the “Colbert Report”) or a work of comedy, these games are not meant to be taken seriously. IGN, in its review of Saints Row 2 does a good job of summarizing this by saying “It’s in that ridiculous nature that Saints Row 2 really finds its niche. Driving down the highway on a flaming ATV, exploding cars to extend your timer, or throwing your limp body into oncoming traffic to rack up a medical bill are things that you just don’t see in other video games.” Yes, despite the graphic nature of the game, Saints Row 2 is meant to be funny, not held as a model of behavior.

And despite its intentions, or any protests by the developers, Saints Row 2 will continue to be the center of media controversy for a while (at least until the next GTA game comes out). Why? Because the game features gangs, killing cops, car chases, explosions and sex. And the media (and a lot of politicians) will blame this game for youth violence, citing it as an influence in their actions.

But that’s not right.

If I had my way, the media would accept the game as a creative endeavor, and turn instead to the parents who allow their young (and easily influenced) children to play this game. I do believe (and I know I’m right) that the game is rated M, meaning you can’t buy it if you’re under 18. And if you claim that someone under 18 can still get it from a store, I won’t believe it. I still get carded, and I’m a college student. So there are precautions in place to make sure that this game isn’t played by those who cannot accept the game as a game. So why can’t the media realize this?

Because, to put it simply: there always has to be something to blame. And video games are the perfect scapegoat.

So, as much as I respect the NYPD, I must disagree with Mr. Lynch. Video games like Saints Row 2 cannot be held responsible for youth violence any more than a novel or movie would. Violence is a prevailing theme there as well, yet they do not receive the same negative attention that video games do. It’s an unfortunate trend, but one unlikely to change.

As for Saints Row 2 though, I say bring on the violence. Because no matter what the media says, it’s not desensitizing me. I know right from wrong. Now if only the media would realize that as well.