Here's the problem with Grand Theft Auto (and a solution).
Its not that Grand Theft Auto is stealing minds. The problem is that the program allows you to experience fear in an artificial context. I have found that fear is much more exhilarating and useful when it is real. I took up mountaineering, for example, to experience the imminent fear of disaster. (In addition to my job.)
The real issue with ultra-violent, pornographic video games is sensual isolation. Far better to feel the imminent threat of lightning on a mountain-top (which will kill you) than on a monitor. As any pilot will tell you, flight simulators just can't beat flying.
Not to overuse the metaphor, but there is nothing uplifting about Grand Theft Auto. It can't even lift your blood pressure as high as a real fight with the opponent of your choosing. Which is why I suggest the following adrenaline-upgrade during purchase.
Bring back Shinders and stock all the copies of GTA IV in the "back room." This way healthy underage young people and really sick older ones can experience the dread of being caught in a spot they really don't want to be.
"Pornographic" games? I've played it 20+ hours of GTAIV so far and the worst there's been was a lap dance from a woman in a g-string (then joined by a 2nd dancer!). No naughty parts, no sex. There's been more nudity in a single episode of NYPD Blue than in GTA IV (even though its an R-rated game) so you may want to direct your crusade towards television. Judicious use of the F-word, though. Definitely rated-R, not for kids any more than the movies Goodfellas or Pulp Fiction...
I just watched a friend get head from a prostitute in GTA 4. Not that I cared, I thought it was funny but there is more than lap dances. Either way Chris Birt should focus on writing about mountaineering, because he's clearly an idiot when it comes to video games and why people play them.
You could be right, but I think you might be an idiot too for not getting the humor here and taking it personally.