As summer vacation approaches,
many Seaholm students find it difficult
to maintain focus on their classes. For
a few students this normal loss of focus
increased due to last month’s release of
the video game Grand Theft Auto 4.
The critically acclaimed blockbuster is the latest installment in the best selling and very controversial Grand Theft Auto series.
The game’s action revolves around Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant who moves to Liberty City, a fictional New York City, and becomes mixed up with criminals and other unsavory characters.
With beautiful graphics, an incredible story worthy of Hollywood, and an awesome online mode, it is easy to see why the game is tough to put down.
“The game is so sick,” said Seaholm junior Chaynce Harris, “You need to have good self control; if you don’t the game will take you over.”
If a student is “taken over” and their grades start to drop too much it may raises the attention of the student’s consoler.
“You bring the person in that is having trouble and you tell them that if they continue to play too many video games and not study what will be the consequence.” said Seaholm consoler John Maloney.
“I don’t believe that when a student is 15 or 16 on up that I can control their actions,” added Maloney.
But some students have avoided this talk with their counselor by being able to keep in control and still enjoy the game.
“It doesn’t take away from my schoolwork.” said Seaholm Sophomore Andrew Murphy, “I play for 2 hours on the weekends, 30 minutes during the week.”
“The year is winding down so I only play 30 minutes a night, but much more on the weekend,” agreed sophomore Brian Paul.
