Recently I was playing an adult visual novel video game and I read the disclaimer that all depicted characters within the game were 18 years or older. This in an 18+ rated video game. Game was officially translated to English btw and can be purchased legally. This surprised me really because in todays climate this is usually something more popular adult video games should have adopted instead of some niche adult games. English publishers had to add this extra info to avoid legal issues obviously. But more video games could follow this guide. Both East and West. Eg one never knows the real age of the prostitutes in GTA. In the initial logo they just claim all characters to be fictional. There is no official statement that they are not underage, something that usually happens in real life situations from which the game takes inspiration from. Other violent games are very vague too.
Usually in movies they tackle it differently. Eg I remember watching Pasolini's Salo some years ago, one of the most gruesome movies ever. Plot is about the kidnapping and torture of some teens by Italian Fascists, during the last days of the regime. There all the actors were adults taking the roles of teens. Though in movies other things could happen like real animal torture or actors faking their age.
In video games where voice actors at least are adults, is it plausible to apply regulations of the movie industry in video game character ages? Does it happen mostly for reassurance? Because in fiction and art possibilities are endless that make any regulation look ridiculous. Eg character could be a blob alien creature or a wood carving.
Of course that does not nullify any criticism about misrepresentation and sexism in video games, but I wonder whether the edifice such discussions take place should be re-evaluated.
Usually in movies they tackle it differently. Eg I remember watching Pasolini's Salo some years ago, one of the most gruesome movies ever. Plot is about the kidnapping and torture of some teens by Italian Fascists, during the last days of the regime. There all the actors were adults taking the roles of teens. Though in movies other things could happen like real animal torture or actors faking their age.
In video games where voice actors at least are adults, is it plausible to apply regulations of the movie industry in video game character ages? Does it happen mostly for reassurance? Because in fiction and art possibilities are endless that make any regulation look ridiculous. Eg character could be a blob alien creature or a wood carving.
Of course that does not nullify any criticism about misrepresentation and sexism in video games, but I wonder whether the edifice such discussions take place should be re-evaluated.
