Galeria Kaufhof, the German retailer finally makes a decision to pull off violent movies and games from their shelves, which means you will no longer buy any violent stuff (especially violent games with an 18-plus rating) in their stores starting next month. it is just because of last week's tragic shooting rampage in Germany that left fifteen dead.

quote:

"I think (Kaufhof's decision) is a complete overreaction ... it borders on impulsive hysteria," said Stephan Reichart, managing director at German video game developers association G.A.M.E. "It would be sufficient if retailers made sure their cashiers don't sell this material to young people."

I have no faith in banning violent video games could reduce teen crime, there is an old saying in my country: Curiosity kills cat. Banning is the best way to force teenagers eager getting something they are not allowed, especially mature content.

To an extent I can understand the reactions from the less-game savvy German people. A terribly tragedy like this needs explaining, and violent video games are an easy way to explain away the behavior of this disturbed young man. I just fear that by grabbing at the easiest answer, people aren't getting to the real root of the problem, and incidents like this will continue to occur. ------from kotaku.com