ok, maybe i'm not familiar enough with the variety of games, but i find it precarious that a game like GTA (and obviously others) allows to take the perspective of criminals, terrorists and other freaks and kill the good guys. of course i'm not that stupid and believe people mistake reality for virtuality... but the problem is not a rational one, it's about effects on the subconsciousness (of children) which undermine fundamental social rules and moral values and provide at least an indifference for social problems (and the rights of consumers (esp. children) not to be "manipulated" in that way.)
I can't repeat this enough: Take care of your own kids and none of this will be a problem. Don't expect society to do it for you.
The only effect these games have on children is the effect their parents allow. I wouldn't let a kid play most of the games I play, they aren't for kids. Kids aren't the target demographic (as somebody already said the average age of a gamer is 28, well beyond kid), they aren't intended for kids, and there's no logical reason to force adults to live as children.
Wasn't arguing your premise either way, just pointing out an oft-repeated error.