# Are Video Games Ready for Real Life Situations Like Boys Kissing? By Greg Ponesse | Published 2006-10-29 | Naughty Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/are-video-games-ready-for-real-life-situations-like-boys-kissing References: [news](http://news.com.com/Gamemaker+courts+new+controversy-boys+kissing/2100-1043_3-6130423.html) In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas there was uproar over a hidden sex scene. Now with their latest release called "Bully", we see boys kissing. How far should this be taken and when should the appropriate regulatory bodies step in? **Implications** - The game features a 15-year-old character named Jimmy Hopkins as its protagonist. The game's mechanics involve tasking players with navigating [social pitfalls](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roblox-age-verification), fights and [romantic interests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-game-game) with Jimmy at his school. The latter approach can be used towards male or female NPC's (non player characters) -- a move that has drawn praise from [gay video game enthusiasts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/league-of-legends-pride) around the world. In fact, according to UBS figures "Bully" was the third top-selling game in the US during the week of October 27th. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Naughty](https://www.trendhunter.com/naughty) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **LGBTQ+ Representation in Video Games:** As more video games strive for inclusivity, there is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating games that center around LGBTQ+ characters and storylines - **Social Skill and Relationship-building Games:** Games like 'Bully' that focus on navigating social situations could offer opportunities to create games that teach important social skills and relationship-building in a fun and interactive way - **Regulatory Oversight of Video Games:** As video games continue to depict sensitive topics, there is a need for regulatory bodies to step in and ensure ethical practices are followed in game development and content creation ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Video Game Industry:** The industry has an opportunity to expand the types of games offered beyond traditional genres and demographics to create more inclusive and educational games for all players - **Education Industry:** Interactive and educational video games like 'Bully' could create opportunities in the education industry as teaching tools for social skills and relationship-building - **Media and Entertainment Industry:** There is an opportunity for the industry to explore and produce more media content that depicts the LGBTQ+ community and their stories with authenticity and respect ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Inclusive Video Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dead-by-daylight.md) - [Drag Culture Video Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drag-her-video-game.md) - [Feedback-Reflective Game Updates](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sins-of-the-flesh.md) - [Child Verification Mechanisms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ersb.md) - [Inclusive Game Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sims-4.md) - [Impactful Gaming Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/humanity-games.md) - [Family-Friendly Platformer Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainbow-billy.md) - [Next-Gen Crime Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grand-theft-auto-vi.md) - [Pride Month Game Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tell-me-why.md)