Violence and guns in best-selling video games
Research into connections between gun violence and video games to violence in real life has been inconclusive. As the hype for the latest in the Grand Theft Auto series builds up, a Guardian analysis of the top 50 video games sold in 2012 found more than half contain violent content labels, as assigned by an independent video game rating board based in the US (ESRB). Overall, one-third have weapons that depict real-life firearms
Six of the top 50 games, which are sports themed, do not have content warnings.
Though two in three games carry a violent content label, just over half are considered violent if "cartoon violence" is excluded.
Realistic weaponry from machine guns to handguns were found in less than half of 2012's top 50 games.
Games are rated by an independent rating board, ESRB.
Games with fitness and sports themes often carry content warnings because of the music.
Note: Game sale estimates include all platforms available; Ratings may vary slightly by platform.