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Moral Kombat - Both Sides' Impressions on Violence in Video Games

As you can imagine, Jack is also featured saying a few

Oct 10, 2007 08:41 GMT  ·  By
Left - Jack Thompson; Right - Dr. Henry Jenkins (with Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat)
   Left - Jack Thompson; Right - Dr. Henry Jenkins (with Sub-Zero from Mortal Kombat)

For those not only searching for the latest demo, update, expansion pack and free game additions on the Internet, this piece of news should raise some interest as Generation: Gamerz, sponsor of the It Came from Lake Michigan Film Festival have announced that Spencer Halpin's new documentary, dubbed 'Moral Kombat,' will screen on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October in Milwaukee, with Spencer Halpin being present on Saturday, debating violence in video games. The full-length documentary is shot completely in high-definition format.

According to the official report, the documentary studies the ever controversial subject of video game violence through a series of interviews with experts on both sides of the matter. As you can imagine, there will be those who believe that violent games should be banned and those supporting their protection under the First Amendment.

One person worth mentioning from the first category is none other than anti-video-game crusader Jack Thompson, who, just a few weeks ago, bravely sent his son to buy a copy of BioShock, in order to prove to the world that even those under age can get it. He succeeded by the way...

Here are a few words from Dr. Jenkins, featured in the documentary: "If the kid is that passionate about games, the parents should play with them; the parents should watch them play; the parents should talk to their kids about what's going on. And if they don't they've got a deeper problem in their family than the fact that the kid plays a violent videogame." That's the best and simplest way I've seen anyone putting it.

This should be an interesting film to watch as featured interviewees have been selected from leading politicians, journalists, academics, consumer advocates and special interest group executives, such as game developers, retailers, trade associations and publishers. As you can see, it pretty much wraps up everyone with a relevant opinion to share.

Here are a few names, revealed within the same report: Dr. David Walsh, Jack Thompson, Dr. Michael Rich, Lorne Lanning, Jeff Griffiths, John Marmaduke, Pamela Eakes, Andy McNamara, Greg Ballard, Bob McKenzie, American McGee, Phil O'Neil, Ed Williams, Dr. Henry Jenkins, Jason Della Rocca etc.

The ICFLM film festival will run 26-28 October 2007 in the Tommy G. Thompson Youth Center. Here's Generation: Gamerz' official website.