tagged w/ Video Game Legislation
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As you've probably heard, the student from Germany who murdered 15-17 people was an apparent gamer of the first person shooter variety. The 17-year-old German kid and his shooting rampage have kicked off an anti-videogames government movement in Europe. This school shooting that killed 16 has some tying the incident to videogames. For no good reason. Or worse, blaming horror films. It couldn't have just been a messed up kid, right?
Translated articles linked to by GamePolitics give these highlights:
From Heise, about Germany:
"The President of the German Foundation for Crime, Hans-Dieter Schwind, calls... for a total ban on violent computer games, and a further tightening of the arms law."
Also from Heise:
"The Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann has... expressed demand for a ban on so-called killer games renewed..."
And French outlet Romandie News:
"...European Parliament calls for common strategy is developed at EU level providing for "severe sanctions" for retailers who sell adult games to minors, or owners of Internet cafes that allow children to play games unsuitable for their age group..."
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This bemoans ill tidings for Europeans (and this will have possible repurcussions to the rest of the world). Not only is there no evidence that videogames sent this guy over the edge, but this is an isolated incident. Banning games is far from appropriate for such an event.As you've probably heard, the student from Germany who murdered 15-17 people was... more
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Labour MP Keith "Vadge" Vaz has been obsessed with violent videogames ever since he wrongly attributed the murder of Stephen Pakeerah to Manhunt, a theory which the police have since debunked, but that Vaz still maintains as truth. Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, Vadge has continued to cast truth to the wind, as he demanded tougher ratings for videogames.
"In a survey published last week, 74 percent of parents said that they were very concerned about the increasing level of violence in video games," said Vaz, lying that the survey said violence was increasing. "Given the fact that there is increasing availability of these games on the internet exhibiting scenes of graphic and gratuitous violence, when is the government proposing to implement the Bryon Report in full?"
If you want some sort of clue as to just how little knowledge Vaz has on the subject, he once fully admitted that he had no idea what a PlayStation was, and yet still decided to claim that the PSP has videogames that allow you to rape women.
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I guess every country has to have its own Jack Thompson.Labour MP Keith "Vadge" Vaz has been obsessed with violent videogames ever... more
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In Australia, gamers continue to petition their government for an R18+ rating.
As GamePolitics has reported, one man - South Australian Attorney General Michael Atkinson - has so far successully blocked the R18+.
That being the case, gamers Down Under plan to take their protest directly to Atkinson on March 4th - and in costume as well.
According to R18games:
"Gametraders is organising a rally to support an R18+ rating for video games in South Australia. The rally will take place at 1pm on the 4th of March, on the steps of the Adelaide Parliament House. As you all know, Adelaide is the home of the South Australian Attorney-General, Michael Atkinson, chief opponent of an R18+ rating for games in Australia."
However, it appears that some gamers are concerned that protesting in costume will make their position seem frivolous; that aspect of the protest is under review:
"It’s clear from the feedback... that a lot of people have some concerns about the cosplay nature of the rally. Gametraders has contacted [R18games] to say they will be issuing a further statement shortly..."
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In case you're new to the subject, video games in Australia cannot be rated R18+ as the rating only exists for film. This has led many games to be censored or banned completely. There is currently a debate over the need for the introduction of an R18+ rating in video games fueled by research that indicates the average age of the Australian video gamer to be 30 years old.
I think it's strange to allow R movies, but not R games. What do you think?
Also, if you lived in Australia and decided to protest, who would you dress up as?In Australia, gamers continue to petition their government for an R18+ rating.
As... more
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The Entertainment Consumers Association has announced today that it is launching a new, nonprofit organization.
The ECA Institute will address research, programming and policy development needs related to video games. The ECAi will also feature a charitable component. From the press release:
At its core, the ECA Institute’s work will inform the development of Entertainment Consumers Association’s public policy positions and encourage and influence public debate on the issues most pertinent to gamers today.
ECA President Hal Halpin commented on the new initiative:
"We’re very excited about the launch of the Institute, as it provides a whole host of new services and support toward very important issue areas to us. The Institute enables us to work with existing and new supporters in different ways than the Entertainment Consumers Association can and, as a result, will make advancing the wants and needs of gamers more effective. It is an interesting collaborative environment that will yield some truly impressive results and affect change in wholly new and compelling ways."
Here are some specific as to the ECAi's activities:
Research and Polling: Research on issues reflecting ECA Institute’s strategic priorities, including: First Amendment rights, universal broadband, Network Neutrality, and consumer protection.
Publications: All ECA Institute research reports will be peer reviewed by internal and external subject experts.
Technical Assistance/Expert Consultation: Support the ECA’s advocacy efforts with expert consultation, rapid response analysis and technical assistance.
Scholarships and Other Educational Programs: Develop and foster game education programs and assistance to students through scholarships and financial aid in accredited schools. The Institute will also support the efforts of new and existing games-related charities.
Public Representation: The ECA Institute will contributes to and help shape both public discussion of its priority issues and decision makers’ understanding of gamers’ needs and concerns.
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The Entertainment Consumers Association is a non-profit advocacy organization established to serve the evolving needs of individuals who play computer and video games by giving their passion a voice. They are constantly helping the misunderstood gamer and fighting unjust anti-video game legislation across the country.
I'm proud to be a member, and if you're interested, check out the site and get yourself involved.The Entertainment Consumers Association has announced today that it is launching a... more
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The California law passed in 2005 that would have restricted the sale of violent video games to anyone under the age of 18 has been ruled unconstitutional in a U.S. Court of Appeals.
Since the law went into effect under California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, we're obligated to let you know that the law has essentially been terminated, unless the state decides to appeal the ruling with the U.S. Supreme Court. For now, this law is luggage. It has had a pipe thrown through its torso and has been asked to let off some steam.
In other words...
"This is a win for California's citizens," said Michael Gallagher, head of the Entertainment Software Association. "This is a clear signal that in California and across the country, the reckless pursuit of anti-video game legislation like this is an exercise in wasting taxpayer money, government time, and state resources. In the end, common sense prevailed with the court determining that, after exhaustive review, video games do not cause psychological or neurological harm to minors. And, that the ESRB rating system, educational campaigns and parental controls are the best tools for parents to help control what their children play."
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I concur! Victory for Cali (wish I was there).The California law passed in 2005 that would have restricted the sale of violent video... more
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October 29th is shaping up as a big day for the video game industry.
On that morning, oral arguments concerning California's contested 2005 video game law will be heard by judges of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court in Sacramento.
As GamePolitics readers may recall, the law crafted by then-Assemblyman Leland Yee restricted the sale of "ultra-violent" games to minors. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed it into law on October 7th, 2005 but a federal court injunction blocked the measure from going into effect.
In August, 2007 U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Whyte ruled that the law was unconstitutional. Gov. Schwarzenegger, who has been enriched by his portrayal in several violent games (see pic), made the decision to appeal the ruling not long after. The actual appeal was filed in January of this year.
Given the late October time frame, a decision from the 9th Circuit won't likely come until well into 2009.
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Regardless of whether or not you think violent video games have a negative impact on a child's mental health is irrelevant.
What most politicians (and other people) don't realize is that when you ban the sale of M-rated games to minors, you make censorship actionable by law, which is supposed to be prevented by the First Amendment. Few people know that it's not actually illegal for minors to buy R movies (porn is in a different category), but most stores have a policy that requires you to be at least 17. Plus, nearly all parents understand the MPAA rating system, while they refuse to educate themselves about the ESRB and then buy their kids "Super Fun Kill Game" without knowing what they're doing.
If this doesn't make it, we're screwed.October 29th is shaping up as a big day for the video game industry.
On that... more
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