I was in a store yesterday, picking up a game and there was this kid (looks 9-11) with his dad (looked mid to late 30s), the kid was getting a game and didn't know which one. His dad didn't mind which one he got except when the kid picked up 50cent, the dad said 'No, your mum would kill me.' I found this funny. Not wanting to stick around and find out what he bought the kid I did wonder something.
We as gamers in the future when/if we have kids will have a better understanding of games than any Joe Bloggs out there. If that kid was mine and he picked up 50cent, I'd tell him off and say to him unless he picks a good game, he's not getting one at all. No way would I buy him a 18 rated game. But the question is, does that limit his choice?
Uncharted, all 3 games are 15s. Ignoring the gun play, there is very little language (besides the racism :P). Tomb Raider from 15 years ago were not rated as far as I remember, yet were about a woman stealing from Tombs and killing endangered animals, yet new Tomb Raider is an 18.
We are gamers have matured with the market and the market has matured with us as graphics improve. But looking over game, there are few true big games with I'd consider suitable for an 11 year old beyond cute plaformers which they probably wouldn't like and sports sims/racing games.
Hmm, pie.
