Anonymous wrote:Yup my now 13 year old has been playing them for years. He also plays C.O.D.

He also plays starwars legos every once in awhile.

Oh he also likes Fall Out and Assassins Creed (my favorite to watch out of all the games)

Yup my now 13 year old has been playing them for years. He also plays C.O.D.

He also plays starwars legos every once in awhile.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Common Sense Media says 16. There are studies that show heavy gaming with FPS games are emotionally desensitizing.

No there aren't. Almost every study like that, as well as ones that have linked video games to violence, have been debunked. No study has proven a real world correlation between games and violence or games and reaction to real world brutality. Those that have showed that games have an effect on the user show physiological effects (stress) only.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124019.htm

Not sure this proves what you think it does. There was less response in the part of the brain that triggers fear and aggression-- which may mean while desensitization occurs at a slightly higher level, aggression and fear occurs slightly less frequently.

Secondly, these were people in their 20s and 30s with differently brain structure than children.

Thirdly, they played 15 hours a week, much more than the average child will or should play a week.

Finally, there are no real world connections to people who play violent video games being more prone to violence or less empathetic to real pain. None.

You realize kids get an average of 7 hours of screen time a day? 15 hours in a week is nothing compared to the amount of kids spend in front of a screen.

OP, I wouldn't get this game for an 8 year old.

Yes, I did. He plays it from time to time, and has not become an awful violent person.

My 9 year old plays Halo. I don't mind him playing games where he's shooting aliens, but I don't allow games where he's shooting people.

Anonymous wrote:My nephew played it while his mom slept all day. 5 years old. held back from K and this is what he did all day instead. yes I judge

Yes. Because this is the same as a 12 year old being allowed to play a few times a week. Would you have felt better about your nephew's neglect if he had been reading or watching tv or coloring instead? Come on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Common Sense Media says 16. There are studies that show heavy gaming with FPS games are emotionally desensitizing.

No there aren't. Almost every study like that, as well as ones that have linked video games to violence, have been debunked. No study has proven a real world correlation between games and violence or games and reaction to real world brutality. Those that have showed that games have an effect on the user show physiological effects (stress) only.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124019.htm

Not sure this proves what you think it does. There was less response in the part of the brain that triggers fear and aggression-- which may mean while desensitization occurs at a slightly higher level, aggression and fear occurs slightly less frequently.

Secondly, these were people in their 20s and 30s with differently brain structure than children.

Thirdly, they played 15 hours a week, much more than the average child will or should play a week.

Finally, there are no real world connections to people who play violent video games being more prone to violence or less empathetic to real pain. None.

Yes, I would.

My nephew played it while his mom slept all day. 5 years old. held back from K and this is what he did all day instead. yes I judge

If it is not something you are comfortable with don't buy it.

What do the 12 year old's parents say? They should have the final word.

FWIW I waited until DS was 13 to allow these games.

No. Why buy it for them? Just because it's a birthday request, that doesn't matter. They may be exposed to it. Some friend may have it, and they play it. Then, I wouldn't make a big deal over it. But why make an effort so they have it?