Should Kids Really Be Playing Guitar Hero?

Not to nanny niceprotect but should they? Obvious f-bombs and curses sex drugs. Girls dancing sedictivly. Flashing by their young eyes. It's rated T for a reason. What do you think?

Not to nanny niceprotect but should they? Obvious f-bombs and curses sex drugs. Girls dancing sedictivly. Flashing by their young eyes. It's rated T for a reason. What do you think?

dunl12496

[QUOTE="dunl12496"]

Not to nanny niceprotect but should they? Obvious f-bombs and curses sex drugs. Girls dancing sedictivly. Flashing by their young eyes. It's rated T for a reason. What do you think?

Blackbase88

Pretty much yeah but what do YOU think?

That depends on if people think it's okay for them to listen to a typical radio station or not.StopThePresses

If had kids I wouldn't let them.

[QUOTE="StopThePresses"]That depends on if people think it's okay for them to listen to a typical radio station or not.dunl12496

If had kids I wouldn't let them.

[QUOTE="dunl12496"]

[QUOTE="StopThePresses"]That depends on if people think it's okay for them to listen to a typical radio station or not.Senor_Kami

If had kids I wouldn't let them.

Sorry what I meant to say was I would turn it off at certain parts.

Not to nanny niceprotect but should they? Obvious f-bombs and curses sex drugs. Girls dancing sedictivly. Flashing by their young eyes. It's rated T for a reason. What do you think?

dunl12496

Well...Teenagers are still kids...so, kids should be allowed to play them.

ya, there already gunna be hearing those songs on the radio and whatnot, and they can see the same images (if not worse ones) on tv

Guitar Hero/Rock Band aren't bad at all, I would let my children play them without any issue, but if you have a real problem with the cussing and flashing lights then Band Hero is for you.

If it got my kids more into music and less into the negative sides of life then I wouldn't mind them playing it.

This thread is delightful. There are far worse things kids can be playing or watching than Guitar Hero. Actually TC, if you want I'll even write a blog about it for you.

Well I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old and there is no way they would play a Guitar Hero game. That would mean they have to stop playing Dante's Inferno and God of War!

Serious answer is that, like in films, it's up to the parents. I have no intention of stopping my kid from playing those games as they're innocent and nothing they're not gonna see at school with their friends anyway. If I was going to restrict a game Guitar Hero wouldn't even be on the list. If they can't palay guitar hero what on earth is acceptable for them to play!?

Maybe you're just worried about all the **another word for cat** that is so prevailant in the game! ROFL

Seriously? Guitar Hero? You want to know if kids should be allowed to play guitar hero?

That's ridiculous, the game is incredibly tame for a video game. It's not like you kill anyone and you watch cartoon crowds dance and the curse words are silented out.

I think you have better things to worry about with kids than them playing guitar hero...

If it's T or M, i don't let my kids play this. eh-ut

The discrepancies within the rating categories are huge, as an example. take a look at Killzone 2 (An M rated game) compared to say GOW3, not even in the same league when it comes to violence and nudity, yet they are rated the same, sure there are the words to go along with the rating but it's incredibly vague (Both KZ2 and GOW3 have "Blood and gore" yet GOW3 has so much more blood it's ridiculous to describe them as such and as the same) these discrepancies exist mostly in the "T" and "M" rated games though.

I'd say don't just look at the rating on the box, actually have knowledge of what the game has going on and pay attention to what your child is playing, ESRB is foolishness at it's finest.

Not to nanny niceprotect but should they? Obvious f-bombs and curses sex drugs. Girls dancing sedictivly. Flashing by their young eyes. It's rated T for a reason. What do you think?

dunl12496

I sure as hell wouldn't let my kid play guitar hero. Not because of any kind of cursing or sexual content, but because he can learn how to play a ****ing guitar if he wants to be a guitar hero.

My kids like that kind of music and want to feel like they're somehow involved in it? Then I'll buy them a cheap guitar and enroll them in guitar lessons.

I'd say don't just look at the rating on the box, actually have knowledge of what the game has going on and pay attention to what your child is playing, ESRB is foolishness at it's finest.

Im_single

Exactly. If any parent is concerned about this kind of stuff, then they need to get involved. The ratings on the box really don't tell you anything beyond a very vague outline. You have no idea what "nudity" or "violence" even means without looking further.

First, ask people who actually played it for some descriptions of the kind of content in the game. That's better and far more informative than the ratings on the box. Secondly, only let your kids play the game when you're there to watch and supervise. If you see something in the game that you think your children shouldn't be exposed to, then turn the game off and make them stop playing it.

I think the better alternative would be to first play through all the games yourself, but I'd wager that most parents don't have time for that. But at LEAST watch them play it, so that you can turn the game off if it becomes inappropriate.

But maybe I'm just biased because that's how my parents raised me when it came to movies. My parents ended up letting me see plenty of stuff that I had no business seeing at that age, but at least they were THERE. They could personally watch my reaction to the movie and see how well I was handling "adult material", and there were plenty of instances in which they just plain turned the movie off and said "sorry, nope, you aren't old enough to watch this." At least they always were at least THERE when I watched R-rated movies in our home, and so they knew what they were allowing me to be exposed to. I think that's a pretty good policy.

Now, you obviously can't have as much control over what your kids experience when they are at a friend's house or something, but we aren't really talking about that. If your kids REALLY want to play Guitar Hero even though you say "no", I'm sure they'll find friends with Guitar Hero.

I bought Guitar Hero 5, although this is slightly off topic but is on at the same time.

It sucks,

Interface sucks, I hate it.

Songs suck. Really 4 or 5 songs out of 50+ are decent? That's it?

Neversoft ruined the franchise.

So no-one should play it. :D

Yes kids should play it, my mom trys to shelter me. And it SUCKS.

Being sheltered you will be treated like you are 5 years younger then you really all.

Hell half the kids I knew back in high school, drank, and skipped school to party at spring break. Where was I? stuck in Cl@$$ (WTH is CLA SS censored?) and I've still to this day havn't been to spring break. Even though I live here in Panama City.

Not to nanny niceprotect but should they? Obvious f-bombs and curses sex drugs. Girls dancing sedictivly. Flashing by their young eyes. It's rated T for a reason. What do you think?

dunl12496

I think it is one of the worste games for kids to play. Pretty soon they wont do anything that isn't in front of a screen. The game does help rhythm, but at the same time it is more of an activity--one that could be spent play, I don't know, a real instrument?

All games involve some aspect of role play.
Heck, your kid could go buy a gun and take lessons on how to shoot it and shoot zombie targets and that would be more of an experience than playing left 4 dead or resident evil.Or you could buy him a car and he could learn how to really drive rather than play a racing game. Or learn to actually play baseball rather than play a baseball game. All of which would provide more of a learning experience than playing a video game.

I don't see why everbody gets all tied up over the fact that they aren't real instruments. I swear, everytime this comes topic comes up someone metions the fact that their kid could be playing a real instument in the same amount of time it takes to master guitar hero. But this applies to all games, not just this genre.

I don't really see anything wrong with guitar hero. The only music I'd have an issue with my kids listening to are ones with racial slurs. I haven't heard any of that in guitar hero, although I only own of the games myself, but played others at parties. Sex? Not even an issue to me. Drugs, meh, I think they can handle it. I haven't seen any evidence that suggests listening to lyrics about drugs increases drug use. Of course, I haven't seen any evidence to suggest the opposite either, but I doubt it'll have a very large effect.

All games involve some aspect of role play.
Heck, your kid could go buy a gun and take lessons on how to shoot it and shoot zombie targets and that would be more of an experience than playing left 4 dead or resident evil.Or you could buy him a car and he could learn how to really drive rather than play a racing game. Or learn to actually play baseball rather than play a baseball game. All of which would provide more of a learning experience than playing a video game.

I don't see why everbody gets all tied up over the fact that they aren't real instruments. I swear, everytime this comes topic comes up someone metions the fact that their kid could be playing a real instument in the same amount of time it takes to master guitar hero. But this applies to all games, not just this genre.

kodyoo

Mastering an instrument is more rewarding for the brain. It has real world uses.

Mastering an instrument is more rewarding for the brain. It has real world uses.

Heirren

Yeah, but that goes for anything. Mastering the art of shooting is more rewarding than playing MW2. Mastering a sport is more rewarding than mastering it in a game. Learning to drive in real life has much more real world uses than driving in a video game. My point is that people are quick to point out that guitar hero is playing a fake guitar but fail to realize that any video game works on the same principle, not just the music game genre.

[QUOTE="Blackbase88"]

[QUOTE="dunl12496"]

Not to nanny niceprotect but should they? Obvious f-bombs and curses sex drugs. Girls dancing sedictivly. Flashing by their young eyes. It's rated T for a reason. What do you think?

dunl12496

Pretty much yeah but what do YOU think?

I think it is one of the worste games for kids to play. Pretty soon they wont do anything that isn't in front of a screen. The game does help rhythm, but at the same time it is more of an activity--one that could be spent play, I don't know, a real instrument?Heirren

[QUOTE="Heirren"]

Mastering an instrument is more rewarding for the brain. It has real world uses.

kodyoo

Yeah, but that goes for anything. Mastering the art of shooting is more rewarding than playing MW2. Mastering a sport is more rewarding than mastering it in a game. Learning to drive in real life has much more real world uses than driving in a video game. My point is that people are quick to point out that guitar hero is playing a fake guitar but fail to realize that any video game works on the same principle, not just the music game genre.

I think the difference is that most parents wouldn't give their children a real gun or let their children drive a real car.

When my kid wants to have fun saving the world, he can play videogames. When my kid wants to have fun playing guitar, he can learn how to play a REAL guitar.

[QUOTE="Heirren"]

Mastering an instrument is more rewarding for the brain. It has real world uses.

kodyoo

Yeah, but that goes for anything. Mastering the art of shooting is more rewarding than playing MW2. Mastering a sport is more rewarding than mastering it in a game. Learning to drive in real life has much more real world uses than driving in a video game. My point is that people are quick to point out that guitar hero is playing a fake guitar but fail to realize that any video game works on the same principle, not just the music game genre.

Music is different than any other form of art.

I sure as hell wouldn't let my kid play guitar hero. Not because of any kind of cursing or sexual content, but because he can learn how to play a ****ing guitar if he wants to be a guitar hero.

My kids like that kind of music and want to feel like they're somehow involved in it? Then I'll buy them a cheap guitar and enroll them in guitar lessons.

MrGeezer

Music is different than any other form of art.Heirren

[QUOTE="Heirren"]Music is different than any other form of art.SteveTabernacle

I'm really not. Playing guitar hero instead of learning and making music, is different than playing Gran Turismo instead of driving in the real world. Music is different. Schopenhauer?

[QUOTE="SteveTabernacle"][QUOTE="Heirren"]Music is different than any other form of art.Heirren

I'm really not. Playing guitar hero instead of learning and making music, is different than playing Gran Turismo instead of driving in the real world. Music is different. Schopenhauer?

The basic thing I'm seeing here is this... some people think that playing GH is a waste of time because you/or your child could be using that time to learn real music. But, what if you don't WANT to learn how to play real music yourself? What if you just like hearing music, want to play a really fun game, and think "hey this game combines those two in one, what a great thing!". So what you're really saying is "Playing fun games is a waste of time". If your kid plays Guitar Hero and doesn't become a rock star, it isn't because he played GH. It's because he or she didn't WANT to become a rock star. The game itself is not holding back their development in any fashion anyone can actually prove. If anyone can give me a single solitary well thought logical reason that GH games and game like it should not be played, I would be open to discussion of that.

So far the only argument I've seen is "LOL GUTAR HERO IS LAMER PLAY A REALZ GETTAR". Present a real argument. In other words, it's time to put up, or shut up. The challenge is laid out, if anyone wants to take it, be my guest.

Yeah, music is different than any other art form.

So is painting, so is biking, so is playing soccer, so is playing baseball. But when you child want to play Fifa or MLB video games you aren't going to say: "Here is a really soccer ball, now i'm going to sign you up for soccer lessons."

Your argument does not make any sense because you are not supporting it in any way. Yes it is different, but that doesn't mean that it is sacred and should not be emulated by video games.

[QUOTE="Heirren"]

[QUOTE="SteveTabernacle"] You're just making an excuse to avoid actually answering the point he made because you know he's right. Your logic has holes large enough in it to have a Semi drove through it.SteveTabernacle

I'm really not. Playing guitar hero instead of learning and making music, is different than playing Gran Turismo instead of driving in the real world. Music is different. Schopenhauer?

I just feel the amount of time younger kids invest in guitar hero would be better spent with a real instrument. Too much stuff is reliant on computers these days that the appreciation of things gets lost in the process. I suppose my problem with Guitar Hero is similar to that of Myspace or Facebook. Some of these studies that have been done showing the amount of time children sit in front of a computer, videogame, or cell phone is quite sad--at least imo. So, to take a beautiful naturally inclined hobby such as making music, and having a company turn it into a product knowing that kids will flock to it because of the technical aspects behind it--well, call me grumpy, but it doesn't sit well with me.

Yeah, music is different than any other art form.

So is painting, so is biking, so is playing soccer, so is playing baseball. But when you child want to play Fifa or MLB video games you aren't going to say: "Here is a really soccer ball, now i'm going to sign you up for soccer lessons."

Your argument does not make any sense because you are not supporting it in any way. Yes it is different, but that doesn't mean that it is sacred and should not be emulated by video games.

kodyoo

I just feel the amount of time younger kids invest in guitar hero would be better spent with a real instrument.Heirren

[QUOTE="Heirren"]I just feel the amount of time younger kids invest in guitar hero would be better spent with a real instrument.SteveTabernacle

Indeed, I've got no musical creativity and can only do half-assed covers on the acoustic guitar. Some people aren't cut to make music. Everyone has a talent, or passion. I slowly took my time learning guitar, I know a few stuff and I'm happy with what I've done. Now a bit on-topic; I tried Rock Band/Guitar Hero and I'm better on a normal guitar than in the game (Yes, I'm rubbish). Fact is that only the Drums are the ones that actually help, as they help with the co-ordination and rythm to play the instrument.

If you think conprehensively and thoroughly that youshould understandthat they are learning and depicting worse stuff at school.

[QUOTE="Heirren"]I just feel the amount of time younger kids invest in guitar hero would be better spent with a real instrument.SteveTabernacle

That's all fine and well when you're talking about ADULTS, or at least people well into their teens.

But sorry, "I just think it's fun" is NOT a reason for people to let CHILDREN do whatever the hell they feel like. You can raise your kids however you want to, but I'm damn sure going to try to foster my children's development. If they want to do something for fun (music games) and there is a fun alternative which is actually PRODUCTIVE, then they're getting the productive alternative.

I wouldn't let my kids play basketball videogames either. At least, not until after they go out and find some neighborhood kids to play with. Go out and find some kids to play basketball, and then maybe I'll let my kids play a basketball game at night or when it's raining outside. But I'll be damned if I'm going to let my kids use videogames as a substitute for equivalent activities that will actually promote their development.

Now, once you're well into your teens, then I agree. Play whatever you want.

But I'll be damned if I'm going to let my kids use videogames as a substitute for equivalent activities that will actually promote their developmentMrGeezer

[QUOTE="MrGeezer"]But I'll be damned if I'm going to let my kids use videogames as a substitute for equivalent activities that will actually promote their developmentSteveTabernacle

If they don't want to play guitar, they don't have to.

But once they let the guitar collect dust in a closet, and then come to me asking if they can play Guitar Hero, then they aren't playing Guitar Hero either. I'll look them straight in the eye and say "pfft, you don't care about guitar. I already got you a guitar and you're letting it sit there collecting dust."

I'm not gonna let my kids BS me. If they want to play guitar, then play guitar. Otherwise, they can stop pretending and do something else.

Now if my child enjoyed practicing guitar regularly, had a serious interest in it, and was making progress, then fine. I'd let them play Guitar Hero occasionally since they're not using it as a SUBSTITUTE for the real thing. But you are missing the point. When I buy my kid a guitar, it's not my GOAL to make him into a musical talent. I'm giving him a PRODUCTIVE way to have fun doing something that HE has expressed interest in. If he doesn't want to play guitar then he doesn't have to play guitar. But that doesn't mean he gets to play Guitar Hero instead.

I'd let them play Guitar Hero occasionally since they're not using it as a SUBSTITUTE for the real thing.MrGeezer

Your child may simply lack musical talent or interest. SteveTabernacle

Well in that case, he doesn't need to play Guitar Hero. I'll get him a music game when he DOES show an interest in music, not before.

I'd say that the kid not being interested in music is a DAMN good reason to not get him a music game.

That depends on if people think it's okay for them to listen to a typical radio station or not.StopThePresses

If had kids I wouldn't let them.