The olives were really only a metaphor, it's pretty obvious that murder is unacceptable in real life, but that's the thing - video games are not real life. You're not actually killing anyone, you're doing a virtual activity x to gain a y amount of points. Your average level-headed individual would never kill another person in real life, it's difficult even in a self-defense scenario, but in a virtual scenario it's nothing more than blowing off steam. There's something about violent video games that speaks to the primordial instincts and there's something relaxing about shooting another player or an NPC in the face, and knowing that it has no real life implications makes it acceptable.I'm aware that these issues have been tackled in movies and books for a long time, and I agree with you--why shouldn't they be addressed in video games?
Among other factors, I think video games get the shaft when it comes to censorship because of the word "game." So people view it as a "plaything," and by extension, whether they realize it or not, they subconsciously associate playthings as being "for kids." The word "game" really holds the medium back in terms of what kind of material people are willing to address in that medium. The general public is of the opinion that "[insert controversial topic here] does not belong in games!"
I think "video games" as a concept has evolved far beyond being "just a game," and "video games" as we know them should probably be called something else at this point. But due to convention, the name will probably stick for the forseeable future.
But you're comparing olives to something much worse. There's nothing controversial about olives. If you hate them, that's a harmless personal preference. But murder is universally viewed as a heinous act against humanity. I'd question the soundness of someone's psychological profile if they enjoyed killing. For example, if I met a cop who "enjoyed" killing bad people, I don't think that's someone I'd want to be friends with.
But I get your point. I don't disagree with you that violent games have a right to be on the market.
Think of it this way - everybody meets someone in their life who does something that just makes you want to choke him/her, alternatively, everyone runs into a scenario that's just infuriating. Some people go to the gym to work that stress out, other people bust out a bottle of beer and enjoy a soothing movie, even others engage in sports. Gamers shoot virtual people in the face, and that's okay. It serves a purpose and it's completely harmless.