What with video games being blamed for the extinction of whales and the credit crunch, and of course the good old argument that they make people kill each other, rob houses and generally toss around with people’s minds, it comes as a surprise that prisoners in the UK are allowed to play rated 18 video games whilst in prison. Well apparently not so, anymore. Gizmodo UK reports that a new rule means prisons in Wales and England cannot buy new games or consoles for their inmates, but prisoners who show good behaviour get a little treat and can buy there own. But the question is…

Why are there games consoles in the first place? These people are prisoners for crying out loud! They should serve their time whilst being punished for whatever crime they have committed. Of course, the barmy UK prison system would rather let them mess around on their Xbox 360’s, or draw up evil plans while first-person shooting on their PS3’s.

It further shows why young “offenders” really don’t give a damn about being sent to “Young Offenders Institues”, because it’s like being sent away on a nice, cushy holiday. The complete package with en suite TV and console. As I see it, the only prisoners who should be allowed to play games are those on suicide watch, as the article mentions. Just make sure they have wireless controllers though…

Maybe the UK goverment wouldn’t have to spend so much on GTA IV and PS3’s if they spent money on devising ways to stop people getting in prison in the first place. But I must end my rant here. Needless to say, the logic behind this is baffling.

Remember to share your views in the comments section. Are video games in prisons a silly idea in the first place, or am I just missing something out?

Thanks to Gizmodo UK for the information