GameStop's not ruling out AO-rated games

by Justin McElroy { Sep 24th 2007 at 5:15PM }

The fact that you (likely) don't own any AO (Adults Only)-rated games is, in part, the product of a vicious circle. Gamestop doesn't sell the games because companies don't make the games because Gamestop doesn't sell the games is a simplified version of the formula. But, to hear GameStop merchandising vice president Bob McKenzie tell it to Gamasutra, the company wouldn't be against them if the situation was right.

When asked about the recent Manhunt 2 rerating McKenzine said, "I think that it is an opportunity that we would have to look at on a case-by-case. In this situation, I'm glad that they went back, reworked it, and it will be M rated. I can't say that we would have supported it at AO, and I can't say that we won't."

Gamasutra went on to point out that though AO is still on the fringe, there's no telling how large of a role it could eventually play in the market, a point McKenzie agreed with, saying, "We see the opportunity, and we like it. Again, for me, I am glad that it's there. You don't know all of the games, and their reasons, whether it's language or violence or nudity within the game, they all have their points for being." It's at least a glimmer of hope for those who'd like to eventually see a video game industry with more diversity ... or those who find it hard to slake their unquenchable thirst for electronic pornography. Either way, it's heartening.

Tags: esrb, gamestop, manhunt

Related From Joystiq

Modern Warfare 2 is GameStop's most pre-ordered game ever
6 days ago
Pre-order Modern Warfare 2, trade it in by Dec. 13, get $40 from GameStop
11 days ago
GameStop hiring 15,000 temporary employees this holiday
13 days ago

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Fernando Rocker (NDF - Water Ring) @ Sep 24th 2007 5:21PM

I want an AO Manhunt 2 version. I dont care if I have to buy it on Gamestop.

NaeemTHM @ Sep 24th 2007 6:19PM

Seriously. What's the point of having a AO rating if you're never going to use it?

I bought my Wii for two reasons: Next-Gen Zelda action and virtual chiving

Mr Khan @ Sep 24th 2007 5:25PM

Well, until any of the console companies start allowing AO games on their platforms anyway, its a moot point

of course, i suppose thats the point that this post is trying to make. If the retailers are more willing, the console companies might be more willing, but then again, they may not

Rubang B (NDF - Heart) @ Sep 24th 2007 5:27PM

Electronic pornography? Is that when people have sex with electrical sockets or something?

Yeah I wish everyone (retailers, the big 3 console homies, parents, etc.) would just grow up and let the ESRB do its damn job.

Geist @ Sep 24th 2007 7:14PM

Oh baby, treat me right, just - *BRZZZZZZZ* HOLY SHIT AGHH WHYYYYYYY

qbix @ Sep 24th 2007 5:28PM

I want the AO version of Condemned 2. Point me towards the petition asking GameStop to allow the sell of AO games and I'll sign it.

sonofnone @ Sep 24th 2007 5:30PM

"I can't say that we would have supported it at AO, and I can't say that we won't."

...the Hell? It's no wonder business people have to go to college. Where else are you going to learn to sound so good at sounding so dumb?

WiNG @ Sep 24th 2007 5:36PM

glad at least one company isn't total cowards

Mabui @ Sep 24th 2007 5:39PM

Sounds sorta like partially trying to save face, can't hurt them to say this, gives them "street cred" and crap since, as seen, a lot of people would stand behind them and say "Yeah! least you guys aren't pussies!" Even if they never intend on doing it.

Synner @ Sep 24th 2007 5:39PM

you know what's funny? My parents are the type who see video games as a waste of time, and would not buy a console for their kids that even LET adult games on it. But then I'm 31, and my youngest sibling is 24, are there even parents out there like that who have kids too young to just buy it themselves? I mean we fully in the atari if not the nintendo generation's adulthood. I would think that all the game manufacturers and reatilers would realize that the people most loudly railing about the "filth" in videogames are probably not going to be buying them anyway, or at least are familiar enough with videogames to not blindly be buying them right? I have a hard time imagining any of my peers mounting a crusade against a game company for selling manhunt 2 as AO. Most of my peers, while not maybe buying it for their children, probably have a game system themselves.

Look at it this way, our buddy JT the bigggest Jack off in the (anti) gaming world has a 15 year old son, right? I'd be willing to bet he doesn't have ANY games, and therefore they aren't losing a sale there, and even so, in 3 years, he could play whatever teh hell he wanted.

The ones who are really sad are in places like germany, where the gov't tells its adult citizens they are not able to handle certain themes. Now THAT's just pathetic.

Mr Khan @ Sep 24th 2007 6:04PM

Yes, but Generation Y is the most politically disconnected of any Generation

The older people, who may still be averse to this, are still in almost total control of the democratic process

Register to vote, people!

Bidoof Protection Military @ Sep 24th 2007 5:39PM

I can't wait until the day I can walk into a GameStop and buy a copy of Tokimeki Check-in!

(Yes, I had to look up the list of AO-rated games on ESRB. And why'd I pick this one? Title sounded amsuing)

EZ @ Sep 24th 2007 5:39PM

One of the most creative thread pictures ever!
Nice job

LaughingTarget @ Sep 24th 2007 5:45PM

I bet GameStop circles "or".

Cal @ Sep 24th 2007 6:14PM

http://cad-comic.com/comic.php?d=20070917

For those that don't get the possible reference.

Yashoki @ Sep 24th 2007 5:46PM

I like that little shoop, reminds me of another video game blog site....hmmm....

T3H WICKERMAN @ Sep 24th 2007 5:58PM

YE$

Metal_Link @ Sep 24th 2007 6:03PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v181/94230/or.png

I circle "or".

Original idea: http://www.ctrlaltdel-online.com/comic.php?d=20070917

Grant @ Sep 24th 2007 6:10PM

well,
somebodys gotta sell 'em... right? RIGHT????

the_game_master @ Sep 24th 2007 6:41PM

AO sounds terrific, its only a rating to me. If they make AO games online it could easily help weed out the annoying kids that get on.

Besides there's more AO/NC-17/TVMA/XXX content available on the internet, easily avaialble than ever before. Just type in any girl name in a Google image search, you're bound to get a naked pic. :D

Santo @ Sep 24th 2007 9:30PM

"Gamestop doesn't sell the games because companies don't make the games because Gamestop doesn't sell the games is a simplified version of the formula."

Circular logic proves itself, how could it be wrong!?

Cabcru @ Sep 24th 2007 10:16PM

Saying they'll take it on a case-by-case basis still won't make a blind bit of difference because publishers aren't going to risk them turning round and saying 'no thanks'. All it does, and all I expect it was intended to do, is paint Gamestop in a better light without actually changing a damn thing,

Deuz M.A. @ Sep 25th 2007 1:56AM

I don't understand the need for a separate rating for 17 and 18. The human mind does not develop enough in the span of this single year to justify that one set of games be allowed and another be banned.

I realize that much of this has to do with laws relating to viewing pornography, and in that case why don't we just merge M and AO into one rating that begins at 18+?

Or just sell all the damn things. Games are ridiculously violent as it is and vaginas aren't going to make them any less immoral and sadistic than they already are (not that I have a problem with this).