The possible American ban on selling violent games to minors?

[Arkhangelsk]

Just saw a news report that said that it will possibly illegal for youngsters to buy violent games, and for adults to buy them for kids). People could actually get jail time for it. To me, it's a load of bollocks. I can name the several reasons why this is arbitrary, stupid, and a bunch of other mean adjectives. I hope that it will not come to Sweden, or at least not until I'm 18, cause I want my bloody video games! Digital distribution is starting to look good at this point.

Here's the link:
http://atlantis2.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=675206n

Also, I wrote an entire rant on my small blog, for those who are interested.

 

[Jedoro]

That's bullshit. If kids can get into R-rated movies with their parents buying the tickets, then parents should be allowed to buy their kids some M-rated games.

 

[Radeonx]

I go with my brother to buy games anyways, and most games he gets are rated mature so I have to buy them anyways. I don't really care if they do or don't.

 

[EMFCRACKSHOT]

Games already come with age restrictions. This just seems like a proper attempt to enforce them as they are currently not taken very seriously by retailers

 

[Amnestic]

Two Tennesee kids shot rifles at cars and killed a man, citing GTA as their reason.

How, precisely, did these kids acquire GTA? Either someone a retalier screwed up or their parents did.

Fun story: GAME refused to sell me Mirror's Edge (16+ game) because I didn't have ID on me, despite the fact I was 18 at the time. Mildly annoying, but goes to show that retailers aren't all soulless vendors who sell to anyone.

Edit: Soleless? Vendors without the bottom of their shoes? Methinks Amnestic has been awake too long.

 

[Arkhangelsk]

Meh. I guess I'll just start pirating then, won't I.

Can't do that where I live, in fear of the goverment knocking on my door demanding 2,000,000 dollars from me and claiming my loved one (my computer, that is).

 

[Tarakos]

I fucking hate the politicians when it comes to games. They are so simple minded.

 

[LongAndShort]

Parents should still be allowed to buy the games for their kids. Its a good way for parents to control what there kids are watching, playing.

 

[HT_Black]

BULL. EFFING. S**T. As it is, it's already illegal to do that where I live (Lynard Skynard); it's a total b***h.

Of course, in the words of the godd Mr. Scott Adams:

"At least kids learn a trade by shoplifting."

P.S: In case it was unclear, things like this sicken me.

 

[Darth Pope]

Utter foolishness. I'm sure I don't need to post why this is a joke. The government is trying to pick up the slack for incompetent parents.

 

[Andy_Panthro]

Perhaps they'll allow you all access to the generally more toned-down german versions?

Here in the UK I'm fairly sure retailers are supposed to stick to the age restrictions, same as for films.

 

[dukethepcdr]

It's already illegal for minors to buy M rated games. That law has been on the books in the US for years. It's just that some stores don't bother to enforce it. Also, you haven't heard of anyone getting jail time for it (which is already in the law too) because the courts don't bother to enforce that either. This "new" law you are hearing about is just American politicians posturing for their constituents and finding something to do with their time (that we U.S. residents are dearly paying for).

There are lots and lots of laws in the U.S. that are on the books but either aren't enforced at all or are at least enforced to a lesser degree than they were intended to be. Did you know it's also illegal in the U.S. to make a U turn with a car unles there is a posted U Turn lane? It is, but it is rarely enforced.

 

[Arkhangelsk]

I fucking hate the politicians when it comes to games. They are so simple minded.

Agreed, have they even compared the numbers of psychotic gamers to the numbers of psychotic non-gamers? They were psychotics to begin with! You don't buy games to psychotics! You get them a straight jacket or learn how to raise them!

 

[TheBluesader]

So the talking head d-bag BEGINS THE STORY by mentioning "games that give points for killing civilians."

For the last time, Grandpa Media - GTA does not give you "points." This is not Pac-Man.

Games are now a several-billion dollar industry with major corporate interests, and Grandpa Media is still proudly 30 years behind the times. And they get away with this because...?

China just banned "gangster games." Good to see the world's leading light of free expression can't wait to catch up.

It's already illegal for minors to buy M rated games. That law has been on the books in the US for years. It's just that some stores don't bother to enforce it. Also, you haven't heard of anyone getting jail time for it (which is already in the law too) because the courts don't bother to enforce that either. This "new" law you are hearing about is just American politicians posturing for their constituents and finding something to do with their time (that we U.S. residents are dearly paying for).

There are lots and lots of laws in the U.S. that are on the books but either aren't enforced at all or are at least enforced to a lesser degree than they were intended to be. Did you know it's also illegal in the U.S. to make a U turn with a car unles there is a posted U Turn lane? It is, but it is rarely enforced.

The games rating system is a voluntary thing. It's never been legally codified. That was the whole point of having an independent system and having retailers enforce it themselves - so the Gov wouldn't get involved and start telling people what they can buy. Because that's technically unconstitutional, and probably will still get struck down if this moronic, fraidy-pants babysitting legislation gets passed.

 

[hxcfreak]

i blame the parents can't the just be informed for once

 

[Panken]

It will never pass. There people in the Senate come out with laws like this just to make the public to think they are doing something.

 

[Aethren]

I hope this passes. Children in Mature games would be better off castrated instead of fined. Then their idiocy wouldn't spread.

Mature children, however, should just be fined.

(Children =/= teens)

 

[TheBluesader]

Wait a minute. This video clip is timestamped 3 years ago. This nonsense is long over...until someone tries it again.

My previous post still applies. But not to worry at the moment.