Video Game Makers Sell Blood, Gore

Too bad your “Making a Killing” [Jan. 26] Business section story about violent video games for kids didn’t run in the general news section where it might have reached more readers. I find almost unbelievable your description of the hot new “Grand Theft Auto” game where players steal a car, crush bystanders in a park, run over a cop . . . and then move on to drug dealing, drive-by shooting, etc.

Can I guess that other titles planned by the same game maker include “The Holocaust” (players make points by gassing prisoners); “Throat Slashers” (players attack small villages in Algeria--extra points for each child murdered); and “Torquemada Rules” (a neat Inquisition game). Another pop seller might be “A Good Indian Is a Dead Indian” (although Hollywood did this in the ‘30s, I think).

On the other hand, all this talk about blood and gore may be sidetracked by an expected rash of presidential games. I’m pretty sure that video games already in the works include such working titles as “The Making of a President” and “Starr Crossed Lovers,” where players are provided with details of the sexual predilections of all sitting senators, representatives and presidential candidates. Players earn points by matching proclivities with statesmen. National playoffs might even be arranged where the top 10 high scorers win congressional internships.

JOSEPH DENKER

Studio City

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How adept are the video game publishers at dodging any suggestions that their marketing of blood, gore and killing as a form of play might be irresponsible? According to more than one publisher quoted, responsibility for what feeds the psyches of children lies solely with parents.

But it really does take the effort of a larger, caring community--if not simply a village--to raise a child who can live in a whole and healthy way. Video games focused on killing go into the mix that forms kids’ sense of what behavior feels possible or familiar. Sooner or later, a child or adolescent goes over a threshold of vulnerability and pressure, and we get kids shooting classmates at schools or shooting out of cars in more than enough numbers. Video games focused on killing support the message that killing is cool.

I admire Wal-Mart for setting some limits on what it will stock. During the holiday shopping season, I saw all-too-realistic video killings on a demo screen used by a youth at a major toy retailing chain. No parents to be seen. Kids find access in a variety of places, regardless of ratings discussed at home.

The originators of these games, the talent interfacing with the giant electronic publishers, are a considerable resource of brains in a place of privilege. I’d like to see them meet the challenge of creating and really marketing more competitive, creative, fun video games NOT centered on violence. I know they have the brains to do it, if they can get outside the destructive themes that make for one-track minds.

ELIZABETH LIBBEY

Santa Monica