Help! I'm Addicted to the Internet
Does Video Game Addiction Really Exist?
It's a simple fact all movie producers, book writers, and video game developers know: Sex and violence sell. Rockstar North, developer of the Grand Theft Auto series, has perfected the art of sex and violence. April 29, 2008 marked the biggest event of the year for video game fanatics - the release of Grand Theft Auto 4, the latest installment in a series famous for its violence and profanity, where "fun" is defined as beating prostitutes, drug running, stealing, going to strip clubs, killing police, running over pedestrians, carjacking, drive-by shootings, and drunk driving.
GTA4 is set in Liberty City, based heavily on New York City, and follows Niko Bellic, a Serbian veteran who comes to the United States in search of the "American Dream." Once he arrives, he discovers that he must make money and connections in the criminal underworld in order to survive. 
Although the story line and characters have changed, GTA4 stays true to its controversial roots. Depending on the choices players make, they may experience racy lap dances, witness a simulated sex act, or get a "health boost" by propositioning prostitutes. If they wish, these acts can be followed up by shooting the woman or running her over with their car. GTA4 also turns evading and killing police into an art form.
Not surprisingly, GTA4 has a "Mature" rating, meaning it is intended for users aged 17 and up. The game's label warns of blood, intense violence, partial nudity, strong language, strong sexual content, use of alcohol, and use of drugs. Critics charge the industry rating system is easily evaded and that children of all ages will end up playing the game.
The Public Response
Grand Theft Auto IV was one of the most highly anticipated video game releases of the year, with experts predicting record-breaking sales. Since its release, the game has received universal acclaim from video game critics. Based on more than a dozen reviews, the version of GTA4 for Sony's PlayStation 3 game console scored a perfect 100, while the Xbox 360 version received a score of 99. GTA4 took over 1,000 people more than three years to complete, with a total cost estimated at $100 million.
Of course, GTA4 is as controversial as ever, and has already taken heat from a number of organizations and activists. New York City officials were reportedly disappointed with the choice of their city as the inspiration for the game's setting, and commented that the game does not accurately represent the city's crime levels. The organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving spoke out against the game allowing players to drive while intoxicated. And in 2007, a Florida lawyer who had previously campaigned against other Grand Theft Auto games, filed suit in an attempt to prevent the sale of the game to minors.
Concerns also have been raised by police groups, politicians, and family groups. The National Institute for Media and the Family warns, "A heavy diet of these games puts kids at risk for aggression."
Ironically, real-life violence broke out the day GTA4 was released. At one store, gamers standing in line to buy copies were shocked to see a hooded male stab another man in the head and neck. In a separate incident, an 18-year-old suffered a broken jaw after being mugged for his copy of the game.
The Appeal to Teens
Although GTA4 is not intended for teens under 17 years of age, Internet commentary suggests teens are flocking to play. GTA4 is the first console game in the series to include the online multiplayer option, with 15 modes of play available. In addition to roaming aimlessly or being assigned specific missions, favorite modes among gamers include "Team Deathmatch" in which players compete to accumulate the most kills, "Team Mafiya Work" where teams kill targets or steal cars for the "mafiya," and "Team Car Jack City" where players steal as many cars as possible.
Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) like GTA4 are known to be the most addictive type of video game. By playing with other people in real-time, gamers develop an online community and fantasy world that can be difficult to leave. Teens that become addicted to video games may fall behind in school, use gaming to escape their problems, become moody or irritable, and put off homework, friends, and sleep in order to play.
With even more realistic-looking characters and effects, teens are more likely than ever to get lured into the dark underworld of GTA4. Activities like stealing cars are more realistic, requiring the character to break the glass and hotwire the vehicle. Characters have cell phones that can be used during missions or for "extracurricular" activities like calling a prostitute. Friends, lovers, and strangers can get drunk, displaying "lifelike" behaviors like becoming hostile and insulting or flirtatious and bold. When the main character gets drunk, he can choose to drive, though his vision is blurry and his driving irregular.
Throughout the game, teens are in control of their destiny, as the decisions they make affect the ultimate outcome. Several endings are possible, depending on the choices they make, though in most cases the story culminates in a final battle and execution of some character. This degree of power and control is enticing to children and teens who struggle to feel in control of their own lives.
To make the game more appealing for a longer period of time, Rockstar Games announced it is working on downloadable packs which will add more features, activities, and options to the game. Teens can also compete for status and recognition on Rockstar Games Social Club, a website that displays the gameplay statistics of registered users and features competitions and awards based on player activity.
All of these factors make Grand Theft Auto 4 a prime candidate for video game addiction. Experts recommend that parents heed the "Mature" rating on the game and limit the amount of time older teens play these and other violent video games.
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