Dan Sabbagh
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John Riccitello, the chief executive of Electronic Arts (EA), the world's biggest computer games company, was challenged this morning by Michael Grade over his insistence that computer games were no more violent than 18-rated films and television.
The American games boss took the unusual step of showing a string of violent clips from both film and television and then computer games.
He said that the graphic imagery depicted was comparable.
"Compared with programmes like 24 or The Shield, or any movie from Quentin Tarantino, games are not any more violent," the chief executive said.
Citing the example of the decision to ban Manhunt 2, a game in which players commit a series of murders, he added: "There is also a rating system that works."
However, Mr Riccitello was challenged directly by Michael Grade, the ITV chairman, who said: "Those acts of violence [shown in games] exist in a moral vacuum, whereas in films and television, it is set in a moral context, with real consequences, such as pain."
The EA chief was speaking a week after the Department for Children announced a review of the impact of violent computer games on children, headed by Tanya Byron.
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My personal intention behind getting a game made?
I have an extensive knowledge of the military and technology.
I been playing PC games for over 15 years,
Also have been inspired by some of the greatest CGI/special effects adorned movies.
I am a very passionate story writer and artist.
Considering my unfortunate education status, any of my concepts could never seriously be considered for a straight up movie deal by anyone.
The computer game industry gives me a way to create scenarios/concept art using formats I understand .
This in turn gives me almost unlimited directions to go in.
I do approve of visual violence in computer games, as it is nothing more than a game..
At the same time I believe in strict age certification and think every title needs to be judged individually and not cast into a categorie such as (Manhunt/Postal)
Parents should be held responsible for what their children play and in circumstances that reach the public forum, they should be penalized for this.
Nicolaas L, Croxley green, Hertfordshire, United kingdom
It is LONG overdue that the Government started taking seriously the absolutely horrific violent images that children are subjected to both on the internet (You Tube and the like) and games. At best it is not good for them, at worst it may condition them to such violence and they will then of course act it out. Labour MP's should get off their arses and start acting not just talking and spinning.
Fraser, London, UK
What is the intention behind producing the games?
Abdul Majeed, Bradford, West Yorkshire