In the spring of 1998 the Columbine High School massacre gripped the nation in terror and upset parents searched for some sort of tangible meaning as to why the atrocity had been committed. The two suspects had claimed in their manifesto that they enjoyed playing the video game "Doom", a game that seemed to some as a breeding ground for ultra-violent behavior. As a result a heated argument which had until that time been somewhat kept to the shadows of legislative discussion was suddenly thrust into the face of national attention by the media. Those who introduced the debate basically stipulated that video games encouraged the psychopathic behavior of the youth that was plaguing American society in their minds. Those who did not feel that way stated that video games were simply a new entertainment medium and were no worse than television, cinema, or printed media. Furthermore, video game supporters argued that the consumers buying the games in question were more than capable of distinguishing the fictional events and situations of the video games they played from the reality that they lived in.
             In the past ten years there has been an increase in the popularity of violent video games featuring adult material. First person video games like "Doom" and "Counterstrike" place the user in the role of the main character. The user must navigate their way through various missions and levels using violent weaponry to kill any arising enemies. Such games are notorious for their high levels of blood, sex, and violence. Although games featuring blood and gore are subjected to a rating system ranging from "M" (Mature) to "E" (suitable for all ages) it has been made clear that patrons are not enforcing these restrictions. Studies brought before Congress have proven that minors can purchase "Mature" rated video games without the proper identification validating their age. With younge...