Moralists Decry Video Game Without Playing It
The Parents Television Council—the shrill right-wing arbiter of entertainment morality last seen reprimanding companies for associating with rappers—is now busy condemning the brilliant, violent, and controversial new video game Grand Theft Auto IV. Unfortunately for the forces of purity, the Council decided to do its condemning primarily by making things up:
The group's director of public policy, Dan Isett, had this exchange with a reporter:
Have you played the game?
"I've actually played 'Grand Theft Auto IV,' and it's right in keeping with previous versions. The series continues to lower the bar and this is the first game that has an alcohol content warning. You get points for driving drunk in this game."
You know that's not true, right? The game doesn't have points.
"If nothing else, it's a rewarded activity. Necessary for advancement."
I don't think so.
"But there's an alcohol content warning and a scene of drunk driving, correct?"
Yes. Did you play that part?
"No, no. I didn't get that far."
Well, get back to us when you've played it, Dan! It should't be hard; he says he has a Wii. Clean fun!
