Toys Based on Call of Duty

So, there are now Call of Duty toys in the toy section - right next to the LEGOs. They're just toys, I know, and kids have been playing with army men and GI Joes for years now, which is fine, but this is different. The media are always talking about how violence in video games is having a negative impact on children, specifically games like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto, and this is true - but these games aren't designed for children. The M for Mature rating means it's for people 17 and older. This is reinforcing the idea in parents' minds (stupid parents) that letting their children play Call of Duty is perfectly fine - which it can be, if you feel your child can handle it.

These days we are always hearing gripes and complaints from the media, politicians, and parents about violence in video games. The ESRB rating system was put in place to protect children and inform parents about what they're playing. If you're a parent or a grandparent, or even an aunt or an uncle who isn't familiar with games, look at that little black and white box in the bottom left corner before you buy a child in your life a game; know what you're putting in their hands. Same goes for those who are familiar with games; if you feel your child can handle it, and is responsible enough, then by all means - just don't go blaming the games when something goes wrong. Any time there's a school shooting or something, everyone always blames the video game industry (and guns), and not the parents.

The targeting of young children by the Call of Duty series in this way sort of feels like it's undermining the ESRB rating all of it's games hold (M for Mature). I am by no means for censorship, not in the slightest - but I am for common sense, and the sheer amount of young children playing these games shows that there's a severe lack of it.