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Forums → WEPR → Evil Californians/Austrians try to destroy my freedom.

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holt24
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holt24
1,133 posts
Nomad

Okay dudes Today I opened up Game informer to read some stuff about video games and was shocked to find out that California is trying to ban the sale of violent video games to minors.

Obviously I am quite terrified by the prospect of not being able to play violent games anymore as should you.

People who support this law do it for reasons like I suppose it is teaching our kids violent things even though there is no research to back this up. Most people polled said they would give the industry a negative rating.

" These responses seem contrary to findings from the Federal Trade Commission: In November, a report from the FTC stated that "The electronic game industry continues to have the strongest self-regulatory code," and that "compliance with [that] code was high in all media."


Also if the law does pass then the states of Connecticut,Florida,Hawaii,Illinois which is where I live,Louisiana,Maryland,Michigan,Minnesota,Mississippi,Texas, and Virginia will also try to pass similar laws.

People against the law claim that it violates the first amendment.

I would love to know what you think so post some stuff about it.



This is from the article in Game Informer

"We think government efforts should be focused on joining with us to ensure greater understanding and use of our system,because it's the parents-not the government,and not the gaming industry-that should make decisions about what games are suitable for their children"


Once again please place your thoughts below and explain why you think it should be a law or not.
  • 64 Replies
Sarthra21
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Sarthra21
1,078 posts
Nomad

No gamer should be for this law. Therefore, no one on this site would be for this.
Honestly, violent video games keep me from going on a murderous rampage. Just wait California, a 12 year old will show up to his/her school with a shotgun and hold everyone hostage.

holt24
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holt24
1,133 posts
Nomad

If they have actual evedince that that games promote violence in kids then I might understand this law a little more but I think video games help kids to express there anger in a non violent way.

Freakenstein
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Freakenstein
9,504 posts
Jester

Parents, ESRB puts those ratings up for a reason. You have only yourself to blame if you allow your children to play Teen and Mature rated games. I can vouch for you that stores will allow you to look over on the back of the game case to see WHY it is rated as such.

And shame on you as well California. Where's your evidence that suggests that violence and video gaming go hand-in-hand? You don't! I argue that violence and video gaming has no direct correlation whatsoever. If anything, graphs suggest that the two have a NEGATIVE CORRELATION. As children playing violent games goes up, juvenile delinquency goes DOWN.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3420/3219793655_f8185f73cd.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y71/GameJunkieJim/ViolenceChart.jpg

http://tomgpalmer.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy-images/Violent%20Crime%20and%20Video%20Games.gif

I also suggest reading this article to further enlighten you:

Yes, those graphs are outdated by a few years. When have we had violent, suggestive games? Since the Atari! Where's the positive correlation? There isn't any!

locoace3
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locoace3
15,053 posts
Nomad

wait are you saying that kids SHOULD or SHOULDN't be playing violent video games

Freakenstein
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Freakenstein
9,504 posts
Jester

If you're talking to me, I'm saying that there is no link between children playing violent games and violence itself. So go ahead! Play some DOOM or Scorched Earth or whatever the devil you children play these days....

CommanderDude7
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CommanderDude7
4,689 posts
Nomad

Seems like that senator missed something...
Also seems like Cali will throw the whole ESRB rating system out and put in their own which could lead to different rating systems for every state. I see that resulting in a drop in games sold as some would sell better in some states compared to others based on their rating system. Also apparently the law doesn't affect downloadable games at all leaving that avenue wide open for gaming.

Really though everytime it is brought up it never passes.

locoace3
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locoace3
15,053 posts
Nomad

If you're talking to me, I'm saying that there is no link between children playing violent games and violence itself. So go ahead! Play some DOOM or Scorched Earth or whatever the devil you children play these days....


scuse me i have some targets to assassinate in hitman blood money...
holt24
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holt24
1,133 posts
Nomad

Another thing why doesn't the law talk about all forms of entertainment like movies or music? Why are they only focusing on video games?

Rofegme
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Rofegme
87 posts
Nomad

Another thing why doesn't the law talk about all forms of entertainment like movies or music? Why are they only focusing on video games?


I don't know, maybe you actually do violent stuff in a game, whereas in movies or music, you watch.
XXAlienGirlXX
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XXAlienGirlXX
810 posts
Nomad

Parents have the right to stop their children from playing violent video games, but we still play them anyway. :P

locoace3
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locoace3
15,053 posts
Nomad

I don't know, maybe you actually do violent stuff in a game, whereas in movies or music, you watch.


so? i press a button and shoot someone that's really not much different than watching it
Freakenstein
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Freakenstein
9,504 posts
Jester

so? i press a button and shoot someone that's really not much different than watching it


Yur funnee. How is it not different than watching a violent movie? You press the button and fire, killing the person. This amplifies the reality if you have a gun-like controller. When watching the movie, you watch it. When you are playing a video game, you play it, as in you do it. This has nothing to do with violence however, and still has no link to juvenile delinquency.
Moe
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Moe
1,714 posts
Blacksmith

This is from the article in Game Informer

"We think government efforts should be focused on joining with us to ensure greater understanding and use of our system,because it's the parents-not the government,and not the gaming industry-that should make decisions about what games are suitable for their children"


This is exactly what I always think when people try to make laws that force children away from adult society. If the parents are too lazy to be a parent they shouldn't have kids.
Oblivior
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Oblivior
786 posts
Nomad

I started playing violent games when I was 6, I don't think it's affected me at all. Maybe that's where my violent attitude came from...

Anyways, back to the matter at hand. I really don't think this is a fair thing to be doing, minors shouldn't be banned from playing violent games as long as the games aren't affecting their thinking in anyway. Like, wanting to shoot somebody with a gun...

SubZero131
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SubZero131
598 posts
Nomad

Is this the same thing? They have no right infringing any ones rights If that is what that was then i petition alon with thousands of others.

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