Should a 12 Year Old Play Hitman 3?
As a passionate gamer and content creator, I cannot in good conscience recommend an M-rated game like Hitman 3 to a 12-year-old. However, I understand the desire to play the latest popular games. As parents, we must make tough choices about what content is appropriate, considering both entertainment value and developmental impacts.
My aim with this article is to provide detailed information to inform decisions, not make them for you. Every child and family situation is unique. But by educating ourselves on the facts, we can best approach this judgement call.
An Objective Overview
Hitman 3 concludes the recent trilogy rebooting the stealth action franchise. As genetically-engineered assassin Agent 47, players navigate complex levels, disguising themselves to infiltrate high-security locations and eliminate targets.
Core to the gameplay is planning creative “accidents” for victims, granting dark wish-fulfillment power beyond most games. Varied tools and environments allow remarkably emergent strategies. This thoughtful experimentation creates rewarding gameplay for mature audiences.
However, the series has always been controversial for glorifying violence. While more grounded and less sadistic than typical “torture porn” games, there is no denying Hitman 3‘s murder simulator nature.
Ultimately, you know your child best. As the ESRB advises, “Know What Your Kids Are Playing.”
Guidance From The Experts
- ESRB: Mature 17+ for Blood, Drugs, Intense Violence, Strong Language
- Common Sense Media: Recommended 18+
- My Take: While no arbitrary age can account for individual sensitivities, the mature designations seem appropriate. This is adult entertainment.
Children at 12 are still developing crucial empathy, morality and decision-making faculties in their freshly-adolescent brains. Games valorizing violence risk impairing that growth.
But guidelines are not law. You may feel your nearly-teenager possesses the discernment to handle simulated assassinations. If so, adult supervision remains advisable given the complex themes.
Alternatives Do Exist
If permitting a 12-year-old to play Hitman 3 still seems concerning, countless quality stealth games feature less objectionable content:
- Metal Gear Solid V
- Aragami 2
- Splinter Cell Blacklist
- Styx: Master of Shadows
- Dishonored
And beyond the stealth genre, so many affirming, age-appropriate games exist bearingPositive messages and role models for impressionable young minds. We’re blessed to have choices.
My friends, the decision lies with you. Consider Hitman 3’s themes deeply before granting access. Your child’s development hangs in the balance.
