We are not mature. Let me be more correct with this. We are not ready for a new experience in thematic games that may cross the line. For console players, we want things that work. We long for fun sequels or original stories with new or used concepts. We prefer better music over level design and great voice acting and a working camera than the characters themselves. This might seem odd to you but think about it: What would you be willing to play more? A game that has a Military/Space marine plot or something that deals with abortion?

Most of us would take the first option but I wonder why we haven’t played something that isn’t flash based that developers and publisher would try out. Parents and the media would flip and cover these games and provide wrong facts and add fire to the fuel about a topic so heavy like abortion. Gamers of course wouldn’t want it but why? Reason being, and this is my opinion, is that a lot of us wouldn’t be able to handle it and find reason for it.

Gamers don’t want religion (yet we accepted it in Final Fantasy X) politics (which is kind of most of FPS), abortion, racial tensions, sex/rape (which would be AO of course) to be place in these games. Gamers, media, and the companies would shy away from these things because of a certain belief that it will teach children bad things (but mom’s buy their daughters electronic babies that they can feed and change). Adults, who are open and willing to think and reflect for themselves, would be able to try it and see what could happen if these games played great and presented themselves in a manner that is not only tasteful but have a purpose. Fun aside, it is something to open up and discuss.

Controversial themes in games (and not the COD airport mess) are something that will never materialize on console or hand held. Just PC. I don’t care about “Shoot The Immigrant” being fun and demoralizing but I would like to see it flesh out. From the point of a person escaping to another country, rather it is illegal or not, would be more exciting and put you, the player, in a more real life tense situation. Is it wrong to want that? Not really. It is a thriller if it is done right with puzzles and a story line and game play that is appropriate. Something like that will make you think and morally place you in a mindset of why some people do it.

Abortion. A topic/debate that will go on for years might be that line cross but would you play it to see how it will play out? Yeah, it can be simple since the method of abortion sound simple. Yet, what would happen if if there were events that made your want the abortion or change your mind about having that abortion? Retail or downloadable, it would be historic for that moment and get coverage and commentary. If it isn’t really upsetting that some journalist or show’s try to make it, that news about it will only be known for a month or so. I understand the government might want to say something, depending on that state, but the do have to recognize it is free speech still.

I posted a question about this and got great answers from people on Facebook. Great responses went like this:

This revolves around parents monitoring their children properly when it comes to aspects of gaming--Josh J.

Your talking about wedge issues. Wedge issues cannot be cured through confrotation--Joel H.

Once society deems it fit to place laws on creativity and imagination, we are in trouble not only as US citizens but Human beings--Catherine D.

It was really good to read the answers and comments. Can these issued style games be made and sell on a console? Well, it will depend on the consumer. Not just the gamers or the gaming community but the general consumers. Can we handle the material? I believe we can. If done by a developer who can place things right and create a sensible story about the issue, I think it can be a somewhat success. So my question to everyone: Do we want controversial games that are presented to us in a tasteful manner?