Now that Grand Theft Auto IV is finally on the market, we can begin to hear outcries from pundits around the country who have not actually played the game. Oh how tasty unadulterated ignorance can be. MADD - the angrily named Mothers Against Drunk Driving - have demanded that GTA IV change its rating to Adults Only. Why? Because you are able to drive drunk in the game.

First of all, it should be noted that driving drunk is a player’s choice. Just like killing cops and prostitutes, it is an act that is allowed but not required to complete the game. Just like people have the choice to drive drunk in real life, a choice that should never be exercised but still exists, gamers have the same choice in a virtual setting. So these mothers are angry that a video game gives people the same choice as real life. Strange.

But even more startling is how this particular event is handled in GTA IV. After going to a bar with a friend, you land on the street drunk and swaying. You say, “I’m in no condition to drive, I should find a cab.” This is the responsible thing to do. If you go with your character’s suggestion, you can go home without any problems. There are cabs all over the city. Or you can choose to drive yourself home, an experience that is nearly impossible. With wavy vision and a horrible camera angle, not to mention sluggish controls, it’s actually a pretty sobering replication of the real thing. Or so I’m told, I don’t condone such acts in real life.

Anyway, GTA IV should be applauded for presenting this situation in a realistic manner and giving players the opportunity to choose how they are going to get home. MADD should be ashamed of themselves. They should worry more about putting dirt bags like Leonard Little in jail and less about a video game.

Popularity: 6% [?]