Call Of Duty Black Ops is so violent that it' s sparking controversy world wide. Yet kids have this game at the top of their Christmas list. And parents might not know exactly what they're getting their children.
Call Of Duty Black Ops it's a game that let's you experience what it's like to be in war. It's rated M for Mature because of the high level of violence. But kids are asking for it and parents are buying it.
Call Of Duty Black Ops has been in stores for almost a month and it's been at the top of kids Christmas list well before then.
"It's the most sold video game ever. It's surpassed any previous games," said Steve Vanwesten, the Costumer Services Manager at Best Buy.
But its violent content has been sparking controversy world wide. The game features highly authentic military combat. During the game players can experience execution and torture scenarios. And video game experts say this allows anyone to escape reality.
"Instead of watching a movie they can actually get involved and so some things and what would it be like if I was let's say a sergeant and I was leading a team into combat. They can actually get a feel for that," said Frank Hefner, a video design teacher at Western Iowa Tech.
"The reason why there's blood on the screen is because the fact when you get shot it helps you with variability to actually show that you are getting hurt," said Craig Barnes.
Even though the game's target audience is 17 year olds and older, younger kids are still asking for it this Christmas. But do parents know what they're buying?
"This is not their first release of this type of game so I believe most parents have an understanding of what the game is going to contain," said Vanwesten.
Still stores like Best Buy have no control over knowing if parents are buying it for a younger child. But in order to pay for it, you have to prove you're of age.
"The register will prompt the cashier to ask for id on any mature rated game," said Vanwesten.
Despite the controversy, in the one month it's been out Call Of Duty Black Ops has been flying off of store shelves breaking multiple sales records.
