Illinois lawmakers want to ban "Grand Theft Auto" in Chicago because it influences the rising cases of carjackings. They also consider banning other violent video games that allegedly affect the minds of many young players.
According to Fox 32 Chicago's latest report, Chicago residents are seeing many teens running and carjacking motorists, which is comparable to the scenarios in "GTA." This leads the authorities that the popular adventure game might have influenced these teens to commit these crimes.
They reported that some of the arrested suspects are not even old enough to drive a car or motorcycle. These include two 15-year-old players and one 16-year-old kid charged with carjacking and were later arrested by the authorities.
Is "GTA" really linked with carjacking?
On the other hand, Philanthropist Early Walker claimed that violent games, such as "Grand Theft Auto," could be influencing the young players. He had a meeting with Marcus Evans, an Illinois state representative, previously in January.
Because of Walker's explanation, legislation was drafted to amend a 2012 law, which prevents "Grand Theft Auto" and other video games from being sold to young residents of Illinois.
Right now, five different countries already banned various versions of the popular adventure title. However, "Grand Theft Auto" is still available in the United States, which is one of the game's largest markets.
However, this could soon change once Chicago officially bans the popular game. Last Friday, Feb. 19, a former police officer reported that his vehicle was carjacked in his own driveway in the south suburbs.
"These guys feel like they are going to get right back out, especially since they are juveniles," he said via Fox 32 Chicago.
Could violent video games really affect young players?
Harvard Health Publishing's official website explained that games that show intense violence, gore, and blood could affect how young people think. The researchers discovered that 97% of young people prefer playing video games that contain violent content.
Only two-thirds of them prefer playing action and adventure games. On the other hand, the 2008 study stated that male players are usually the ones accessing violent titles. This means that there's a chance that "GTA" could have influenced that your carjackers in Chicago.
For more news updates about "GTA" and other popular shooting and adventure games, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
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Written by: Giuliano de Leon.
