First a bit of background.
I'm 39 years old.
My first video game system was "pong".
I have owned and played every generation of console out there, if you name the system, I have owned it. From the Atari 2600 through the TG-16, the 3DO, 360 and everything in between. Th video game industry and I have grown up together. When I was a kid... gaming was kidstuff. The industry has grown with us...
I have a large amount of expendable income, and trust me when I say... I AM the target market for gaming companies.
I only have one question about the "kid killing" option.
What would it add to the game, exactly? There are no quests involving child assassination or beatings (thankfully) so any "choice" to do so is strictly a "cuz I can" decision. It's pointless, in poor taste, and I question the mental stability of any individual who says "this would be sooo much cooler if I could murder that kid running around the village".
I would pose this question;
How old are those of you who think the option should be included?
How many are parents, or have very young siblings?
How would it improve the gameplay and experience you have?
Children are society's most vulnerable people, the above "example" notwithstanding. A game featuring a deliberate "choice to harm them would be abhorrent and unnecessary.I have played hundreds of role-playing games... and not once did I ever say "this game would be better if I had the option to attack children".
Bethesda has made the right choice, and I am glad they stick to it.