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[KarmaCow]

Would you prevent the same parent of buying Terminator 2 or Pulp Fiction DVD for his 8 yr old son? I wouldn't do the same thing. I played Vice City as a 10 year old and i didn't commit any crime since then. I don't know, i feel it's too politically correct.

I think we've reach the point where politically correct means nothing.

 

[Walpurgis]

Or, depending on the version you were getting due to different platforms having a different rating for the game, he was performing a contracted duty for his position and didn't feel like losing his livelihood by "getting a life" and not asking for it. I mean really, how can you be mad at a store clerk for following a companies policy? What's next, coming down on the 7-11 cashier for not selling cigarettes to a minor because he carded them?

Side note, I'm not trying to say the harmful effects of tobacco are comensurate to theoretical harmful effects of mature content to minors; just giving an example.

I've purchased plenty of M rated games. I have only been asked for my ID twice. Once by some confused guy at Target for inFamous: Second Son and the other time was the X-Men fellow. I've shopped at that EB Games before and after that incident - they don't ask for ID.

 

[Roni]

You didn't inject yourself into the conversation, the mom did. My sister asked me if I should let her sons (2 of triplets) who are 16, play Witcher 3. I couldn't in good conscience not bring up the potential for sex scenes, so that kaboshed them buying it. That being said, the mom really should've just followed the age recommendation on the box without even asking you, but I get it.

You honestly think someone reaches 16 without being exposed to pornography? There's nothing in that game they haven't seen.

 

[Roshin]

I stopped a 16 year old from getting Saints Row IV.

I punched a 30 year old who asked about Candy Crush.

 

[Omadahl]

It was the mom's decision and clearly she went in uninformed. My guess is that she would have immediately returned the game upon watching the open credits anyway. You did the right thing.

 

[Rembrandt]

Pathetic. Who are you, the parent?

Right and then you go on to say you played vice city at the same age. Pretty unnecessary, imho. Not your place at all.


Edit: just noticed that she asked you. In that case, it's more understandable. Idk how I missed that part the first time.

 

[On Demand]

"Morals" I have played and watched plenty of violent, scary, sexual things growing up. My parents didn't hide that from us. No one in my family has any mental issues or have shot up anything and sexually harassed anyone. You might think you've done "the right thing" but all you did was prevent a kid from enjoying a game he wanted.

I would of said it doesn't matter. There are worse things in this world to worry about than videogames.

 

[Skux]

Good job OP. She asked you first, you gave your recommendation.

The parent should put more stock in the rating. "It's R18, is it really that bad?" Of course it is! Think about the R18 films you've seen, they have some nasty shit in them that you wouldn't want an 8 year old to be exposed to.

 

[hellmonkey]

Ive let my 5 yr old play gta v, but only driving and flying and only while I'm sitting on the couch with her. I also have the sound down so she cant hear the talking.

You did the right thing. There is no way in hell id let an 8 year old play that game unsupervised. Hell, when I was 8, I had super Mario bros, excite bike, rc proam, and galaga.

 

[megabytecr]

I would have done the same thing and help the kid get another game or a Wii U

 

[Afrikan]

It was the mom's decision and clearly she went in uninformed. My guess is that she would have immediately returned the game upon watching the open credits anyway. You did the right thing.

good point.

but I'll say that TC, you also did the right thing... BUT I would've said in a way like....

"I played this game when I was 8 years old as well. I turned up fine, but there is alot violent stuff to do in there."

 

[-Pyromaniac-]

the post of above me has a point.

but I'll say that TC, you also did the right thing... BUT I would've said in a way like....

"I played this game when I was 8 years old as well. I turned up fine, but there are alot violent stuff to do in there."

exactly what I would have said.

That or sorry me no speak engless

 

[Darksol]

I'm glad that I grew up with parents who encouraged me to check out whatever books, movies, music or games that I wanted. If they ever felt like the material was "mature" they'd discuss it with me and see how I was handling it. So long as I could separate fantasy from reality, they didn't care.

I have no interest in breeding, but I would do the same for my hypothetical children.

 

[otapnam]

the post of above me has a point.

but I'll say that TC, you also did the right thing... BUT I would've said in a way like....

"I played this game when I was 8 years old as well. I turned up fine, but there are alot violent stuff to do in there."

Pretty good way to sum it up.

I think i had to get my mom to help me buy mortal kombat 2 back in the day though. They were out in force against that

 

[Afrikan]

I would have done the same thing and help the kid get another game.

how was that LEGO GTA game?

they should've release it on PS4/Xbox too.

 

[Walpurgis]

It's not like the kids are playing GTA for strippers and shooting pedestrians. They're playing so they can cruise around in their nice cars, run away from cops and just do stupid shit. We all did the same when we were kids. I don't think it's fair to deny others that.

I would have done the same thing and help the kid get another game.

Yeah, he could have at least saved the kid from his mom buying him shovelware since she doesn't trust him anymore. I bet that kid went home with Knack.

 

[mm04]

You honestly think someone reaches 16 without being exposed to pornography? There's nothing in that game they haven't seen.

Yeah, that's what you tell your sibling when she asks you if there's anything in the game that might be out of bounds for her 16 year olds, who aren't even allowed to watch Rated R movies. Nope, go ahead and get them that game, sis. Then when tits start flying around conveniently say you forgot about the opportunity to bone characters in the game.

 

[Zeyphersan]

Would you prevent the same parent of buying Terminator 2 or Pulp Fiction DVD for his 8 yr old son? I wouldn't do the same thing. I played Vice City as a 10 year old and i didn't commit any crime since then. I don't know, i feel it's too politically correct to do that.

If the parent explicitly asked "Hey, do you think this movie is appropriate for an 8 year old" I would have no problem telling the truth about both of those movies. I wouldn't make a judgement call for the parent, but if asked I would inform them of the content. Pulp Fiction especially, jesus christ

Also you clearly have no idea what politically correct means

 

[Wanderer5]

She asked, your gave info about what in the game, there nothing wrong with that. Would have definitely done the same.

 

[Omadahl]

Pretty good way to sum it up.

I think i had to get my mom to help me buy mortal kombat 2 back in the day though. They were out in force against that

That was the first game where parents were really pissed about kids playing games (at least on consoles.) My parents let me get it, but that's just knowing your kid. We watched Beavis and Butthead when my friends couldn't too. Basically, if you have a well-adjusted, smart kid who can separate fact from fiction, let them play certain games. It's the parents who aren't involved in their kid's recreational or academic lives that worry me the most. I'll step down from my parent/teacher soapbox now.

 

[Mike Golf]

I've purchased plenty of M rated games. I have only been asked for my ID twice. Once by some confused guy at Target for inFamous: Second Son and the other time was the X-Men fellow. I've shopped at that EB Games before and after that incident - they don't ask for ID.

Look I get it, I frequent a local GS and never get asked any more. A lot of places won't ask when someone is clearly of age by appearance, unless a district manager or someone of that importance is nearby. But why hate on someone for doing their job is what I'm getting at. Some would rather play it safe then risk getting a mark against them or worse fired for something so simple.

 

[Tunavi]

"Morals" I have played and watched plenty of violent, scary, sexual things growing up. My parents didn't hide that from us. No one in my family has any mental issues or have shot up anything and sexually harassed anyone. You might think you've done "the right thing" but all you did was prevent a kid from enjoying a game he wanted.

I would of said it doesn't matter. There are worse things in this world to worry about than videogames.

Wow I know isn't op a big jerk

 

[soulassssns]

"Morals" I have played and watched plenty of violent, scary, sexual things growing up. My parents didn't hide that from us. No one in my family has any mental issues or have shot up anything and sexually harassed anyone. You might think you've done "the right thing" but all you did was prevent a kid from enjoying a game he wanted.

I would of said it doesn't matter. There are worse things in this world to worry about than videogames.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[Fractal]

Right or wrong, hardly my place to judge... though thanks for sharing, I guess. Can't say I'd have stepped in... don't have a tendency in mixing into other people's business... unless I can benefit from it.

 

[iMax]

It's funny.

Kid me would desperately try to rationalise the gameplay to my parents with presentations, analyses, and contextual examples (yes, I did this).

Parent me would never let my kid play this until I thought he was old enough to understand it and play it with me.

It sucks though, OP, that the parent had to ask you if the game was suitable. You're a bad parent if you put your kid in front of something you know nothing about.

 

[RealityCheque]

That kid's gonna be here on GAF in 10 years talking endless shit about "the stranger in the videogame store who wrecked my childhood".

 

[Weltall Zero]

The OP did the right thing and if it was me, I would have given that information even if it was unsolicited. Parents have a right to make informed choices.

 

[OmegaDL50]

Maybe this kid has no friends at home.

Maybe all his online friends are playing GTA Online

Maybe he just wanted to have more contact with them

But then you came around

This is a slippery slope.

For all know the he could have tried to reenact stuff from the game. That's the thing about kids, they are easily influenced and impressionable.

The simple things is we just don't know the scenarios you bring up.

The games I played growing up that were violent such as the original Mortal Kombat didn't have the same super realistic visuals closer to real life that could parallel things today.

For one thing the part with Trevor having sex with the girl in the introduction of his character, or even the torture segment to get information to kill a possible terrorist are things that didn't exist back then, and I'd say are totally inappropriate for those under a specific age group.

 

[KojiKnight]

She asked, your gave info about what in the game, there nothing wrong with that. Would have definitely done the same.

This... The fact that some people think it would be okay to lie to the mom for an 8 year old is just crazy to me.

 

[Shao Kahn Brewing a Stew]

GTA V is more vulgar than previous titles IMO. With graphics getting better every generation, you can't allow a kid to play game outside the rating anymore.

Let that kid buy a proper racing/driving game instead.

 

[demosthenes]

When I worked @ Target through high school and college I did the same thing.

A bunch of kids hate me now probably.

 

[ANDS]

You didn't inject yourself into the conversation, the mom did. My sister asked me if I should let her sons (2 of triplets) who are 16, play Witcher 3. I couldn't in good conscience not bring up the potential for sex scenes, so that kaboshed them buying it. That being said, the mom really should've just followed the age recommendation on the box without even asking you, but I get it.

16? Really? 16? And they aren't mature enough to deal with cartoon sex scenes? Were they home schooled on Leave it to Beaver?

 

[hsikod]

Even if it is an adult's game, it was not your place to decide what it was best for someone completely unrelated to you.

What consequences were you expect by refraining the kid from playing? He won't become a crazy guy with a gun? We won't become a pimp? We will never learn swear words?

Think of the children bullshit.

The problem is you.

 

[Roni]

Yeah, that's what you tell your sibling when she asks you if there's anything in the game that might be out of bounds for her 16 year olds, who aren't even allowed to watch Rated R movies. Nope, go ahead and get them that game, sis. Then when tits start flying around conveniently say you forgot about the opportunity to bone characters in the game.

Or conveniently expose her to reality: "there is violence and nudity, but it's nothing they probably haven't seen elsewhere".

I appreciate the fact that you think you did the right thing being honest about it, but have you considered the possibility no good came out of this deed?

Telling her about the game prevented the boys from getting the game in an attempt at shielding them from materials the mom considers inappropriate. But if the kids have already seen that, it's only preventing them from enjoying a great game. The damage has already been done by someone/something else.

 

[hydrophilic attack]

I wouldn't have intervened unprovoked, but if a mother cared enough to ask my opinion, I would probably have given an accurate description of the contents and let her decide what to do based on that.

 

[KojiKnight]

Even if it is an adult's game, it was not your place to decide what it was best for someone completely unrelated to you.

He didn't decide, the woman asked him an honest question, he answered honestly. The mother then decided. At least read the first post before replying with stuff like this.

 

[Koppai]

What if he had lied to her and she came back and got in his face about it? <_<;

 

[ryutaro's mama]

I would have let him get the game. It's not like he won't see violence anyway on TV.

Passively observing violence =/= actively performing said violence

 

[empo]

Think you did the right thing.

Only similiar situation I remember from my childhood is that a friends mom took away Super Smash TV, would have been 7 if we played it when it was released. Lol times change.

 

[Fury451]

It's not a game for an 8 year old.

You did the right thing IMO.

It really isn't. The violence and sex in that now is far less cartoony and more visceral than Vice City, and the language is basically near constant. The kid never stood a chance as soon as mom heard the language they use anyways.

I probably wouldn't have said anything unless I was asked, but I would've told the truth as you did if she did ask me.

 

[dakun]

holy shit are there really people that would lie to the parent so the kid would get the game?? are you fucking kidding me??

Literally holding a mother back from making a (somewhat) informed decision about her own child. smh

(thank god it's a tiny minority in this thread)

 

[Kyzer]

The mom nailed it, really. I would want to help thebkid but I'm not lying to your mom for you bro.

 

[Mr-Joker]

The mother asked you for advice and you rightly said that the game was not suitable for an 8 year old.

You did the right thing, even if the kid will hate you for it.

 

[massoluk]

I ain't gonna lie if a someone just honestly asked me what's in a video game. I would do the same. The decision is up to the parents, not you.

You didn't decide if a kid should have that GTA V, it's that mom.

 

[OmegaDL50]

Even if it is an adult's game, it was not your place to decide what it was best for someone completely unrelated to you.

What consequences were you expect by refraining the kid from playing? He won't become a crazy guy with a gun? We won't become a pimp? We will never learn swear words?

Think of the children bullshit.

The problem is you.

Your problem is you didn't real the OP in which the Kid's MOTHER Specifically asked him about the game.

Did you expect the OP to lie and then cause the Mom to potentially make a bad parenting decision?

 

[iMax]

You didn't inject yourself into the conversation, the mom did. My sister asked me if I should let her sons (2 of triplets) who are 16, play Witcher 3. I couldn't in good conscience not bring up the potential for sex scenes, so that kaboshed them buying it. That being said, the mom really should've just followed the age recommendation on the box without even asking you, but I get it.

Now this is a position I will never understand. Not only is the age of consent 16 in many US states, The Witcher contains bloody, violent content. How is that OK?

Sex is the most natural thing in the world. Violence is not.

I'll never understand this American mentality that bloody gore is just fine on the family TV but GOD HELP US if they show a bit of nipple.

 

[SigSig]

There is some serious straw grasping ITT by people who apparently were denied their copy of Bonestorm.

 

[Mael]

ITT : "Fuck you OP for not misleading that mother into buying that game the devs, publishers and ESRB wouldn't want her kid to play"

 

[Koobion]

I would have probably just pointed out the rating system description, but with the intent of him not getting the game. It's not for kids.

 

[Roni]

Now this is a position I will never understand. Not only is the age of consent 16 in many US states, The Witcher contains bloody, violent content. How is that OK?

Sex is the most natural thing in the world. Violence is not.

I'll never understand this American mentality that bloody gore is just fine on the family TV but GOD HELP US if they show a bit of nipple.

Religious influences turn sex into taboo, many American families have deep religious roots.