Should Grand Theft Auto 5 Be Banned?

It appears Grand Theft Auto is in the news again with concern to whether it should be banned. This tends to happen every time a game is due to be released which is a bit too controversial that it fails to slip under the radar.

The very question seems ridiculous, as ofcourse, games are not real and are only virtual representations (whether this be realistic or not). The concern in modern society is that games like this invoke harmful emotion in people who may be easily suspectible (especially in the younger generation). This may be true but surely it is no more true of this game, than it is of a controversial poster, advert or song. Games also are not fully accessible like other forms of media, as they come with age ratings. Age ratings are ignored by parents all the time, but upon any drastic mood change or action from their child, the game is blamed. This screams ignorance.

I'm aware the issue is bigger than what it first seems and so, this must be assessed on a case by case basis as different aspects may be apparent in each.

A controversial subject, but one that shouldn't really have to be debated for too long. There are rules in place to minimise adverse effects to such media, its a shame this topic has to come into mainstream media every so often (such as with Saints Row and Hitman).