I read Emily Hall’s Oct. 7 article, “Video Game Vice,” and I was appalled, but not surprised, that the people who were affected by these shootings are suing the company who made the game that the kids were supposedly trying to imitate.

The victims and families of the victims should be taking legal action against the kids and their parents. If these kids had been raised by their parents and not by TV and video games, then these shootings would never had happened. Video games may not have completely moral storylines, but kids should be taught by their parents that video games aren’t real life.

Also, a “Mature” rating was placed on Grand Theft Auto 3 — this means one has to be 17 years of age or older to buy this game. As the ages of these teenagers were 14 and 16, someone else must have had to buy it for them. Rockstar games should not be held responsible for these children having access to this game which was too mature for them.

I have played this game numerous times. The graphics are good and meant to be realistic; however, sensible people can tell the difference. The graphics are not that realistic. A video game controller is not the same as a gun. The parents of these teens should have known they were playing this game. Their parents should have monitored the game before allowing their children to play it, and made sure the teens knew the difference between a video game and real life.

The parents should be held accountable in this case.

Sydney Wilson

Freshman

English