I think in a cinematic cutscene, done in the proper way, used for plot, would be acceptible. However it would have to be used in the right way for plot. Rape is used as an easy out for explaining away why characters are how they are in movies, which I'm afraid would happen with games too. While it's good for defining characters, sometimes there are better means to get that across.
That said I think a lot of people are missing the moral differences between some things... Murder and war killings for example. Killing in a war is still bad, but at the same time in most games it's a kill or be killed war. Not something your character started, in fact most times you're on the defense. Someone breaks down my door, points a gun at me, you can bet I'll shoot them. I'd feel slightly worse in real life, but I'd still defend myself. However there is no being on the defensive if you are controlling the character who is raping someone. That's why as a cinematic plot device it could be useful but has to be used carefully.
On the other hand if you're controlling a character who is escaping from a rape situation? That might be more acceptable. At the same time though, that brings up a whole new issue.
We probably have a lot more surviving rape victims that play video games than murder victims. Considering how rape affects the mind, would you really want to risk putting some of your audience through possible trauma remembering thier own experiences as rape victims? This is why rape is a sketchier subject than murder. It has a completely different influence on the mind. With murder, usually it's a matter of just who gets the lucky (or sneaky) blow. With rape you reduce someone down to being completely powerless, and you dominate them. That feeling of helplessness will stick with them a lot more intensely than even a near death.
Log in to comment