Video game controversy

Monday, February 20, 2006

February 20, 2006 -- Disrespectful, dangerous, plain stupid, that's how many groups are describing this new game, and some police officer groups are using their websites to encourage consumers to boycott it.

Police organizations across the nation and right here in Toledo are up in arms over a new video game.

In fact, a petition is in the works to pull the game from store shelves.

Disrespectful, dangerous, plain stupid, that's how many groups are describing this new game, and some police officer groups are using their websites to encourage consumers to boycott it.

Blasting guns, shady characters and edgy hip hop, police say it's the next generation of Grand Theft Auto.

It's called "25 to life" and that's what police say players would get if they were driven to act out anything they see on screen.

Sgt. Richard Murphy says, he is upset with the company that came out with such a hash and violent game, which teaches kids to kill a police officer.

The newly released game has many people up in arms. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund already has collected thousands of signatures in an effort to pull the game from store shelves.

Dan Wagner from the Toledo Police Patrolman's Assoc. says, "When the goal of any game is to kill a police officer, I don't think anyone can defend what they're ultimate goal is and that's to propagate violence against police officers."

In 25 to life, players chose a side, criminal or law enforcement; then the goal is simple, blast away your enemies.

The game is approved for adults only and game makers say it's up to parents to monitor their kids. But, men and women of Law Enforcement know it doesn't always work that way.

Unfortunately, video games have become the babysitter and parents of many children.

"They're not helping the kids and they're not helping anyone by putting this out in the public."

The game is being distributed by Eidos (eye-dos) Incorporated. According to a company statement, the game's release was delayed to tone down kill moves.

Company officials say the version out there today is for mature gamers, and they say it's within the boundaries created by contemporary media.

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