Grand Theft Auto Pushes Buttons

Ahead of Tuesday’s release of the latest game in the hugely popular Grand Theft Auto series, the violent games—and others like them—face widespread controversy, USA Today reports. Chicago is pulling ads from buses and parents’ groups are urging retailers not to sell to kids; meanwhile, legal action in Congress and five states calls for restricting sales.

“These games are patently offensive and violent,” says a Minnesota official. So far, laws passed limiting sales have all been overturned in the courts. Most retailers say they don’t sell the games to kids under 17, but random checks found that 42% actually do. Video games have become a “social tool for boys,” researchers say, but kids who play “Mature”-rated games are more likely to get into fights. (More video games stories.)