Violence in video games is a subject that has always been talked about. Violent video games are said to be a leading cause of many violent crimes. Due to the huge controversy over whether or not this is true, I decided to do my research on this topic. In Mass Communication: Living in a Media World, Ralph E. Hanson questions whether video games are even considered "mass media" (247) and then comes to the conclusion that this is the case. Like Hanson, I also believe it is part of mass media for a variety of reasons. The reasons that lead me to this hypothesis are the regulations in video games, they all express different messages and bring in a lot of money. Video games, just like movies and music, require regulations in order to be rated based on their content. Although the rules seem a little more rigid with video games than they would be with movies and music. I always read and hear stories on the news that video games contribute to teen violence. But I'm not sure I can agree with that, because wouldn't movies cause the same thing? Movies also contain violent substances which can be worse than video games, with the only difference being that video games are more practical and movies are not. However, films always show an act of violence and we never hear of acts that incite a child or teenager to commit a crime. Even Steve Ogg, who is the voice of Trevor Phillips in "Grand Theft Auto," says, "There's a lot of intense stuff there." Video games are just an easy scapegoat.” To me, “Violence exists because people exist,” just like Jim Treacher says in an online article titled “Video Games (YET) Don’t Cause Violence.” I honestly don't understand why all the blame falls on the gaming industry. .... middle of paper ...... Debate. Continue the game. Retrieved from http://www.examiner.com/article/gta-v-voice-acteurs-speak-out-on-video-game-violence-debateThierer, AD (July 14, 2003). Regulating video games: parents or Uncle Sam? CatoInstitut. Retrieved from http://www.cato.org/publications/commentary/regulated-video-games-parents-or-uncle-samTreacher, J. (2013, September 23). Video games do not (yet) cause violence. The DailyCaller. Retrieved from http://dailycaller.com/2013/09/23/video-games-still-do-not-cause-violence/Video games and age restrictions – US and UK. Out-Law.Com. (April 2008). Extracted from http://www.out-law.com/page-5810Violent and young video games. Harvard Health Publications. (October 2010). Retrieved from http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Mental_Health_Letter/2010/October/violent-video-games-and-young-people