Writer Stephen King defends violent games

US horror writer Stephen King says violent video games do not make for a violent society, stating "there's a lot more to America's culture of violence than Resident Evil 4".

Writing for Entertainment Weekly, King, who admits he does not play games, says age ratings are in place to stop youngsters buying violent games, just as they are for violent movies.

King wrote: "I [won't] argue for the artistic value of stuff like God of War, or 50 Cent: Bulletproof, where looting the victims of gang violence is part of the game (players use the money to buy new Fiddy tunes and music videos — classy). I do, however, want to point out that video games, like movies, have a ratings system, and ones with the big M or A on the box mean 'Not for you, baby brother.'...

"If there's violence to be had, the kids are gonna find a way to get it, just as they'll find a way to get all-day shooters like No Country For Old Men from cable if they want. Or Girls Gone Wild, for that matter. Can parents block that stuff? You bet. But most never do...

"Could Massachusetts legislators find better ways to watch out for the kiddies? Man, I sure hope so, because there's a lot more to America's culture of violence than Resident Evil 4.

"What really makes me insane is how eager politicians are to use the pop culture — not just video games but TV, movies, even Harry Potter — as a whipping boy. It's easy for them, even sort of fun, because the pop-cult always hollers nice and loud".