ABSTRACT
The early 1990s was the time period that video game graphics became more realistic-and along with many gamers, video games matured. Sexual themes and violence began to take center stage in certain games, attracting the attention of lawmakers, the media, parents, and other social institutions. This chapter reviews this history of sex and violence in video games, in addition to portrayals of gender and race. Major legislation and regulation as “games grew up”will also be covered, including subsequent controversy and media coverage, as well as theories and scientific research on the effects of video games on society.
