Grand Theft Auto 5 isn’t exactly a video game that lacks discrimination, and especially the kind against women. Before throwing slurs, and insults towards the feminists who decided to push to remove the game from the shelves it is important to understand why you would want to remove GTA5 from the stores.

First of all, Grand Theft Auto 5 is a violent game. There’s no denial in that; the basic mission consists of an illegal or violent act against one or more people. Albeit it is driven by a narrative, and often the violence is restricted to Hollywood-like standards. Whereas the difference between video games, and films is that the way video games affect someone’s mind is still quite young compared to the extended academic research done on more linear entertainment like film, or books.

Secondly, since there’s the lack of solid evidence and certainty of how video games affect someone’s mind; it should be taken in consideration that many young people far below the recommended age, mostly male and some female play this game every day. Since young people are exposed to the game’s silly world, where it has sarcastic references to the real world and events, and overtone drama which is further diluted with the storyline that gives a background to the action, and hence the violence which can take place during gameplay there’s a risk that this might affect negatively the player.

Finally, based on the idea that many young people are exposed to the game, and on top of that the many misconceptions about the game industry, and general lack of expertise when it comes to how games affect people’s minds. It does bring out quite evidently that removing the game of the stores is a drastic solution rather than attempting to change the mentality of the stores or parents who sell or give these games to the kids.

Another important aspect to note is that the feminist movement fights on many fronts, and many times It involves societal issues. If the education, and the mind of a young person is affected by Grand Theft Auto 5 then what it might mean for how they perceive the other, or their own gender from that point on?

Whereas most people admit not to be affected, or that they haven’t been affected by what they experience through similar gameplays there is no solid argument besides statistical data, and perhaps a minority of people who perceive or feel otherwise. Hence why I do believe it’s all up in the air.

Removing the game from the shelves is not the best solution, but it is the most drastic one to openly make a point; that games, like other medium should be mindful of social issues, and possibly the retailers both online and physical, and various organizations should be considerate of who they sell the game to, and their awareness of the age restrictions.

Which as I said, the perception of how more linear media affects minds has matured to the point that shows like the Game of Thrones are not met with such distrust or misconception. Whereas, the one for gaming hasn't yet, and most of the people who express their concerns on either sides do so with cynicism, and little understanding of the core issue. Which further worsens the situation.

Bleh. Study after study has shown no correlation between violent media and violent actions.
Censorship of entertainment clearly labeled for adult is bullshit. Period.

You don't see them demanding Game of Thrones be pulled of shelves. That's a million times worse than GTA V. Its a form of art and expression. Some people value that and others feel that they get to decide for everyone what is acceptable or not.

Anyone using the 'think of the children' argument is no better than Jack Thompson. Personally I'm getting really tired of seeing this stuff in the industry.