Q: Parents are often blamed for poor choices when buying games, even though the game has a big black “M” and have pictures of guns and blood on the cover. Afterwards they go home and see their kids playing a violent game that depicts carnal sin, blaming the gaming industry. What do you think parents could do to take more precaution to their children and preventing them from playing violent games?
A: They could either (a) actually pay attention to what their children are playing, or (b) pay attention to its effects on their kids' behavior, and if the games don't have a negative impact, let them play what they want.
More broadly, the best thing parents can do isn't to shield their kids from pop culture. It's to encourage the development of good character, so the kids aren't reduced to getting their values from a toy.
Q: The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) was made in response to a rise in video in 1994; it is comparable to the ratings system used by movies (MPAA). The ESRB is criticized by many crusading anti-violence protagonists to be too lenient, and that they should update the ratings. For example, what was T-rated 10 years ago is now rated E and so on and so forth. How could one improve upon the ratings system or how could they revamp it? Should they be more strict or keep changing with our ever-changing culture?
A: While I understand the usefulness of shorthand like "T," "E," and so on, what's really useful isn't a prefab rating. It's listing what potentially objectionable elements a game contains, and in what proportions, so parents can judge for themselves whether it's appropriate for their kids.
Q: How do you feel that practicing illegal actions in a game affects the chances of an adolescent practicing it in real life seeing as there is no consequence in a video game?
A: I doubt that there's a direct relationship most of the time, though I'm sure you could find some anecdotes of idiots imitating something they saw onscreen.
Q: Ten years ago, Mortal Kombat became controversial when it added blood and bones. Considering the fact that more gore, blood, profanity and carnal sin have been added over the years, do you feel that the industry is willing to stop at any given standards for good or will it continue to progress to more creative ways to show violence?
A: Creative people will always find creative ways to show everything, violent or not.
Q: In conclusion, do you have any statements that you might want to share or clarify for us?
A: (evidently I didn't, because I left this spot blank)