Boris Johnson: Violent videogames cause knife crime

Friday 20th June 2008 - 17:00

Shock claim by outspoken London Mayor, major new games announced plus Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword DS screens

In a recent newspaper article, newly elected London Mayor Boris Johnson has drawn direct parallels with violent videogames and the rise in knife crime. The outspoken Tory Mayor and long standing critic of videogames cites gaming as a fundamental influence in the Capital's alarming increase of violent attacks by youths.

In a piece railing against 'London's knife crisis' written for thelondonpaper, Johnston writes: "We must show young people that knives are not cool, and for that we need positive role models. I want to counteract the damaging influences drug-addled celebrities and violent video games and the lure of the life in the gang by providing opportunities."

This is not the first time Mayor Boris has taken a sideswipe at the stunned games industry. Last year he wrote a piece claiming that games are the 'narcotics for children' in an article entitled 'The writing is on the wall, computer games rot the brain'.

Games industry professionals have been quick to react to Johnson's outbursts with one source stating : 'Games don't cause knife crime. Thugs with knives who stab people do.'

Meanwhile, there has been a number of high profile games announced from some of the world's largest publishers. EA has confirmed that the next instalment of the Need for Speed franchise is firmly under starter's orders. Need for Speed: Undercover is the name of the next title in the highly popular street racing series. Meanwhile, Disney has announced a new movie-licence tie-in by confirming that forthcoming animated movie Bolt, is to be turned into a game in 2009. The film, starring John Travolta, features a TV star dog by the name of Bolt that is accidentally taken to New York from LA. Finally, Shellshock 2 the sequel to the original soldier shooter of 2004 is set to make a return via Eidos. Players assume the role of a soldier fighting in Vietnam against both 'infected soldiers and the Vietcong army. From what we understand there's more blood and guts than a double shift at an abattoir. We're sure Boris would certainly disapprove.