Media Group Decries Wii's Violent <cite>MadWorld</cite>

"The release of MadWorld for the Wii brings violent videogames to a once family-friendly platform," states a press release issued this morning from the National Institute on Media and the Family.

After briefly explaining the almost ironically ultra-violent gameplay found in MadWorld, the release chides Nintendo for allowing such content to be released for the Wii:

In the past, the Wii has successfully sold itself as being the gaming console for the entire family and a way to bring family-game nights back into people's living rooms. Unfortunately, Nintendo opened its doors to the violent videogame genre. The National Institute on Media and the Family hopes that Nintendo does not lose sight of its initial audience and continues to offer quality, family-friendly games.

I don't disagree with the group's stance on MadWorld -- it certainly is bristling with gruesome deaths and blood -- but I don't think the NIMF realizes that the Wii is simply a platform for various media. No one would think to blame Samsung for making LCD TVs on which violent films are shown.

To extend the metaphor, the mere existence of violent games doesn't guarantee that kids' brains will be warped, just as the existence of the Death Wish film series doesn't guarantee that they will ever see Charles Bronson enacting revenge on 1980s New York.

In the end, the only way to protect children from anything is to place that responsibility squarely on the shoulders of their (hopefully) caring parents.

Image courtesy Sega

NIMF Disappointed with Nintendo [IGN]

See Also:

• 'Twas the Night Before MadWorld
• Eyes-On: Bayonetta and Mad World
• MadWorld Maker Tries to Stave Off the Censors
• MadWorld's Box Art: Hot or Not?