It is commonly accepted for books and movies to discuss adult topics. Movies challenge our beliefs on issues concerning morality by bringing these issues to the forefront of our minds, allowing us to reflect on the images we have witnessed and come to a new understanding about these issues. For example, David Fincher’s “Fight Club” demonstrates the absurdity of masculinity in the absence of femininity to act as a balancing force while commenting on the materialistic nature of the modern world. The movie displays violence as a coping mechanism and, although the movie is titled “Fight Club,” the violence is used as a means to exemplify the ideas being presented. It is generally regarded as an intelligent film and has since been recognized as a “cult classic” (and I’m pretty sure that many of us can quote at least one line from the movie). Of course, books have been doing this for centuries, bringing to light countless issues by depicting the worst of the human condition to inspire an emotional reaction. But sadly, video games are often not recognized as a means to communicate ideas. In fact, adult content in games is often considered taboo.

War Triptych by Otto Dix

In terms of consoles, Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo all refuse to allow games that receive an Adults Only rating from the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) on their platforms. Thus, developers are forced to tone down content in order to ensure that their games receive a Mature rating. Is this right? Should games be allowed to discuss “adult” topics? The main argument against mature themes in games is fundamentally basic. Games are intended for children and children should not be exposed to the mature themes present in such titles. Such exposure, it is argued, will lead to increased aggression and violence. This however is false to a degree. There are no studies that demonstrate a direct link between video games and aggression in children. What the studies do show is that violent children tend to play violent games. Thus, games are not causing violent behavior in children; violent children gravitate to violence. As for other children, exposure to violent video games leads to the same results as watching violent films.

That's almost as much blood as the bedroom scene in Nightmare on Elm Street

So it is clear that video games are no different from any other form of media in terms of how it affect those unable to comprehend the subject matter presented, but does that mean games can ever present such material? Unfortunately, as it currently stands they cannot. Games are still heavily linked to children and very few people are doing anything to actively change that. Adults Only games are still not allowed on the major platforms and no company is trying to challenge this notion, instead choosing to comply with the current regulations. Although more people than ever play games thanks to the Nintendo Wii, but the majority of the players are seeking family friendly experiences. So Nintendo is not going to change their image family friendly image in order to peruse an mature audience and it is unlikely that they will create a Miramax-like (Miramax is owned by Disney and is used to produce content that would oppose Disney’s family friendly image) subdivision in order to do so. So perhaps Sony and Microsoft can step in and change the industry? Again, this is unlikely. Although both are fine with allowing mature games on their consoles, both refuse to open the can of worms that would result from allowing Adults Only games on their system.
So it seems that video games will follow a functionalist sociological perspective and seek change through slow and subtle advances for the better, although this may take some time. Unless companies actively pursue their rights to present mature themes in games like other forms of media, it is unlikely that any major changes are coming to the gaming world. However, I for one hope for the day that games will be able to present such content without dumbing it down to achieve a better rating. Until then, we can still have mature games, so long as that means mature for a young audience. After all, games are for kids.

"Is that like an R rated movie?"
"Oh no, that's like porn, but for kids."