Dear Joe Baca: You Are Really Embarrassing Yourself

The fact that these people have any power whatsoever is confusing and depressing.

For the record, I was one of the few gamers who supported the idea of ratings for video games and therefore, I have no issue with the ESRB. I think those ratings are necessary and make perfect sense; we've got ratings for movies, don't we? And I believe it's absolutely true that certain forms of media and entertainment should be kept away from our developing children.

But of course, the lawmakers are never happy with such a victory. Of course not. It's too reasonable. It's not radical enough. So now, we need to single out video games by putting warning labels on the packages, alongside the ratings we already have. The only games that would be exempt from this law would be the ones rated EC (Early Childhood). Every other game would have to carry a warning label of some kind, so parents can fully understand the potential ramifications.

The press release at Congressman Joe Baca's website should tell you everything you need to know. Firstly, it proves even supposedly intelligent people, those we have elected into a position of power, are allowed to let personal bias supersede science and fact. By not citing the numerous studies that prove or at least suggest the positive effects of gaming, your position has an automatic slant. And the "facts" that are stated have been refuted again and again.

The official reply from the Entertainment Software Association can be found at GameSpot:

"Unfortunately, Representative Baca's facially unconstitutional bill--which has been introduced to no avail in each of six successive Congressional sessions, beginning in 2002--needlessly concerns parents with flawed research and junk science. Numerous medical experts, research authorities, and courts across the country, including the United States Supreme Court, exhaustively reviewed the research Representative Baca uses to base his bill and found it lacking and unpersuasive. Independent scientific researchers found no causal connection between video games and real life violence."

I'm waiting for the law that says warning labels should be placed on movies sold in stores. I'm waiting for the warning label on books. We've got one for music albums but obviously, it's not enough. Do all that, and then, perhaps only for the sake of absurd symmetry, I'll go with the warnings on video games. At least then the public will have already started to dismiss such warnings as needless and downright inaccurate. And last but not least is the single most glaring issue that is just downright laughable-

Baca and every last one of his like-minded cronies continue to think that all video games are for kids. That's the shame and irony of it all. They actually believe violent games are made to be sold to kids. They think nobody over the age of 18 plays them, despite any statistics that say the average age of a gamer is at least 35 (and rising with every passing day). The only reason to single out video games for warning labels is due to this outdated, nay, archaic belief. "Natural Born Killers" resulted in quite the backlash; I never saw a proposed law requesting warning labels for movies. Why? Because "Natural Born Killers" wasn't for kids. But obviously, Twisted Metal is.

It really is embarrassing. These people are in power. They're proposing laws to govern an industry that is completely alien to them. I can't decide if that's massive ego running rampant, or some special form of blindness unique to politicians. Whatever it is, one would hope that after decades of lawmakers embarrassing themselves when it comes to video games, the lawmakers themselves would be tired of looking foolish.

Apparently not.

Tags: gaming, video games, game ratings, game warnings, game laws

3/20/2012 8:24:21 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (83 posts)

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Jawknee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 9:43:10 PM
Reply

California is disappearing under a mountain of debt, their unemployment rate is over 12%, their school continually turns out undereducated children if they even graduate at all, cost of living and gas continues to go up, people are fleeing the state in droves and this is what their "representatives" are occupied with?

God help us. So sick of these politicians inserting themselves into our personal lives.

"They're proposing laws to govern an industry that is completely alien to them."

Just like many of the other things they try and control. Mark my words, if the pols get their fingers in the video game industries cookie jar in the form of over regulations, video game prices will go up even more.

"I can't decide if that's massive ego running rampant, or some special form of blindness unique to politicians."

They think we're too stupid to govern ourselves. They are the elite and the few who know better, so we must yield to their undying wisdom.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/20/2012 9:47:49 PM

11 up, 1 down

Metal Head
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:35:40 PM

The reason California got in huge debt is because people refuse to paid a higher tax on car registration. This is how the great arnold got elected, biggest mistake. California schools are fine, the problem is that students don't try at all. This is a huge problem in our country, kids don't care for school. I love how South Koreans push their kids to get excellent grades. Video games are art at its finest. Why Politicians don't realize they are the problem and not the solution to our problems. I'm a proud Californian and graduated from UCLA.

3 up, 8 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:52:57 PM

I lived in California for 7 years. Their LA Unified school district is not fine. The people in charge don't even claim that the schools are fine. Also the car taxes are high enough though they're not as high as they are in my state. Blagh! XD

As for the debt, the problem is not that taxes aren't high enough. It's the government spending. You could tax every single California resident 100% of their income and it would hardly be a drop in the bucket. I've studied the numbers. The problem is spending.

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/21/2012 12:14:08 AM

6 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 7:24:20 AM

But what is it your government spend so much cash on? I thought you guys had a very privatized society?

I'm not getting myself into a political debate here, just curious about what all the money goes to if tax can make no difference.
Here in Norway tax is a major contributor to both social welfare and education.

Last edited by Beamboom on 3/21/2012 7:26:08 AM

0 up, 1 down

TGSA
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 10:50:52 AM

Although I'm sure this bill will fail, can't they at least add movies in there just so they can embarass themselves further. If they'd consider doing this to videogames, can't we find some hogwash study that says movies do the same thing.

Not that I believe we need this crap, it's just that I'd love to see hollywoods reaction if there was such a bill. Oh wait, they'd probably lose all their monetary support if they did that. Damn politicians...

1 up, 0 down

Doppel
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:13:00 AM

@Metal Head:

Good Grades =/= Intelligence and Intellect

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:16:42 AM

Beam, much of it is spent on education and the public employee unions. It pays for 100% of their healthcare and pensions. Some goes to hospitals because many get stuck with the bill when certain groups of people use the emergency room as their general doctor then don't pay. A lot is spent random boondoggles like high speed trains that no one rides. The other problem is since the economy is so bad there, there are more people on welfair and not enough people working. When there is less people working there are less people paying taxes so there is less revenue going to the state.

TGSA, I agree they should too but they won't because most of their campaign cash comes from Hollyweird.

1 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:17:26 AM

"But what is it your government spend so much cash on? I thought you guys had a very privatized society?"

Wellfare and Social security. "Social" programs account for almost 55 to 60% of U.S. Govment spending. Just saying.

2 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:05:34 PM

And until we institute a freakin' means test for social security - so Bill Gates doesn't get another paycheck after the age of 65 - we're going to keep spending like idiots.

2 up, 1 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 5:06:44 PM

Indeed. That idea is at least floating around Congress these days.

0 up, 0 down

PC_Max
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 9:45:44 PM
Reply

Personally I have no issue them labelling alongside the rating on the back of the game box/case warnings of language or violence. Its not the kids buying the games, its their parents. And granted parents need to find out what game it is they are buying their kids, by asking the clerk behind the counter or labelling.

And I have seen studies that make remarks to the affects of games on kids or adults a like, studies that go one way or the other. Problem is depending on what side of the fence you sit on... depends on what study you believe and hold up in the others face to prove your point. Bias on both sides.

My thought is games have good and bad affects on humans in general. This is most likely dependent on the genre of games they play.Point is there will always be this debate and there are many factors involved.

Yep, an unpopular stance.

3 up, 3 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 9:54:19 PM

The older we grow the less of a problem it will become. My generation grew up playing fairly innocent games like Mario and Zelda. Now we have over the top violence like in God of War, Gears etc. Now that I am a father, and a gamer, I know what to allow and what not to allow. I think people are smarter than these pols give them credit for.

Also remember that anytime the government imposes new regulations on business', their costs go up and those cost inevitably get passed onto the consumer.

7 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 9:59:16 PM

The rating is MORE than enough. I take issue with singling out video games, as if they somehow have more detrimental effects than any other form of entertainment we expose our kids too.

That...is crap.

13 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:21:08 AM

Ben dont music CD's have "explicit" warning labels ? I dont think that video games get singled out is all Im saying. But I dont think vg's really need any additional ratings. Im actually sad there arent more AO rated games. Not "BMXXX" AO rated but I feel Heavy Rain should have been AO. Some games kids should play.

Last edited by wackazoa on 3/21/2012 11:21:43 AM

0 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:39:46 AM

Music has warnings because it doesn't have ratings.

At least that's what I always assumed.

@Wackazoa
I feel you about the AO games, but most devs just aim for M. I believe there might actually be a policy by Sony and other console companies to not release AO rated games? Could be wrong though. I remember reading something like that along those lines somewhere.

Last edited by Underdog15 on 3/21/2012 11:41:36 AM

0 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 12:40:33 PM

Underdog I remember Sony's policy as well where they said they'd never allow a AO game. But really today that is just garbage. With the age of gamers going up it makes sense that certain game be allowed and produced only for adults.

And Im not talking smut either. Producers like Quantum Dynamics and Rockstar really have to walk thin lines to get the M ratings when if they just made the games for stories sake they would probably be AO rated and possibly more telling.

In books there is a big difference in stories between Harry Potter and anything written by Eric Lustbader. So should the story telling between Little Big Planet and adult aimed games.

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:07:13 PM

First of all, there's no reason whatsoever for Heavy Rain to be rated AO.

And music albums don't have ratings. They have warnings, and they're certainly not health warnings.

If such a law as Baca proposes passed, video games would be the only entertainment medium on earth that has an official rating and a health warning attached to it. ...yeah, that's called "singling out."

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 9:49:12 PM
Reply

I can't stand these blue dogs tossing out red meat. These types love to place blame because it resonates with certain communities and helps get them re-elected.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 3/20/2012 9:52:24 PM

6 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 9:51:43 PM

Yumm...red meat...

Last edited by Jawknee on 3/20/2012 9:57:22 PM

3 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 8:46:51 AM

What World said.

I love democracy. But when everything is in 4 year cycles and becomes about re-election as opposed to the constituents...

Yeah.... Democracy isn't the best form of government. It's just the best we have so far.

Last edited by Underdog15 on 3/21/2012 8:47:50 AM

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:47:01 AM

America isn't a democracy. It's a Constitutional Republic.

3 up, 2 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 6:31:54 PM

Oh... so THAT'S why all this garbage goes on there.

;)

But seriously though... what's the difference... You guys vote your politicians into power very democratically just like us. You have states just as we have provinces and territories. And you have a constitution just like we have a constitution.

I know the way the politicking is done with vito's and what not is different, but that's about it. That's actually the only difference I see. All our politicians have equal power, more or less, and for something to pass it's typically just 50%+1.

So aside from that, I don't see any difference. It's all very democratic, if you ask me.

-Theoretically- (lol) all our politicians would merely do what is best for their constituents. That is all.

Last edited by Underdog15 on 3/21/2012 6:35:41 PM

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 7:49:58 PM

For starters we don't have a Parliamentary system like many Democracies do. Our powers are divided into The Executive Branch, Legislative Branch and the Judicial Branch. In the states it's not as simple a "majority rules" like in a Democracy. We vote for a Representative who then goes to Washington to uphold the interests of their constituents. Then those Representatives vote and a consensus must be reached with the House and the Senate before a piece of legislation it is sent to the President for him to sign or veto. We do not have a centralized government. Each state gets to write is own laws and has their very own Governor(Executive), State legislator(Congress) and their own Judaical Branch.

We are governed by our Constitution and the limits on the Federal Government within that Constitution. A majority in Congress can rule that we must buy an electric car but it wouldn't pass Constitutional muster. Thus it's is not a true Democracy where majority rules as it would be stuck down by the courts. As they are there to keep the executive and legislator in check with the Constitution.

There is a difference, that is the reason there is are separate words for Democracy and Constitutional Republic.

1 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Thursday, March 22, 2012 @ 11:40:29 AM

We have provincial legislation in addition to federal legislation, and most laws are provincially based much like each state has it's own law.

I'm not sure I like the idea of so much power going to one to five representatives. Too much opportunity for cuckolding.

It's funny, I remember learning all that in an intro to political science class in university in my first year. I remember talking about and learning about the pros and cons of our system and the pros and cons of the American system... but for the life of me, I can't remember much of anything. lol. Of course, that was nearly a decade ago, now, and I didn't study poly-sci beyond the introduction course. So of course I've forgotten by now.

Which one is better, I remember, being completely situational.

0 up, 0 down

Neo_Aeon666
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 9:58:29 PM
Reply

Well you know... Baca... Baka (idiot) XD This might be where the Japanese took the term!!! :D

6 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 9:59:59 PM
Reply

Why is it that once we elect most of our f*cking politicians into office they suddenly try to force their own misguided agenda's on us, and abuse our own tax money to bite the very hand that feeds them???

And it seems there's hardly any more of those "lesser of the evils" to even vote for these nowadays.

9 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 10:07:01 PM

I think the problem is too many of them have forgotten that they work for us and not the other way around. They think that since they went to law school that they truly know better. Some are well intentioned I'm sure but the path to hell is paved with good intentions. ;)

4 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:03:15 PM

Lately it's paved with transvaginal probes ;)

5 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:53:41 PM

LOL!

2 up, 0 down

matt99
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:41:05 PM

I think the system is partly to blame too, the movie Ides of March showed really well all the back door deals and stuff politicians have to do to get elected. It kinda gave you the sense that there is no way not to be crooked as a politician.

Also aren't the ratings already warnings? They even state why the game is rated that way, seems redundant to me.

1 up, 0 down

556pineapple
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 10:06:47 PM
Reply

I was going to say politicians should come with warning labels, but then I realized the fact they're called politicians is warning enough.

7 up, 0 down

ctd669
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 10:11:33 PM
Reply

I'm guessing... The guy is a democrat!! Just sayin.. Im calling it Obamagaming.... Socalism at it's finest!

5 up, 10 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 10:16:22 PM

LOL! But hes a "Blue Dog" so he still represents freedom and stuff...

2 up, 1 down

ctd669
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 10:22:48 PM
Reply

Er.... whatever!.!....

2 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 10:26:07 PM
Reply

Ben, did you see the report about how terrorist organizations are starting to use games like Call of Duty and Halo to host their little terror meet ups? Apparently they think it's a secure form of communication to chat over PSN and Xbox Live to plan their attacks.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 10:59:26 PM

Great. Yes, video games are evil.

.....the next quote from Joe Baca.

1 up, 0 down

matt99
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:43:04 PM

Is that actually true? Because all I ever hear are 12 year olds calling me a noob...

1 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 5:10:51 PM

Yes it's true. It's a recent phenomenon so it is just now making the news rounds. In all honesty I think it's a good sign. Shows they are getting desperate.

0 up, 0 down

ZenChichiri
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 10:45:30 PM
Reply

Warning labels? Apparently video games are the new cigarettes.

"Video games may cause cancer. That's right. A cancer to society! Save the children! Do it for the children! They are so innocent...wait a sec, pan the camera back to those innocent looking kids...DO IT FOR THE CHILDREN! I TOLD YOU TO FUCKING SMILE! Oops, did you get that on the video? We'll cut that later..."

Last edited by ZenChichiri on 3/20/2012 10:47:49 PM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:05:07 PM
Reply

Come to think of it I'm getting a little tired of the 5 seconds of my life I have to lose watching that seizure warning. I think everyone knows wild flashing lights can induce seizures, especially people who have seizures.

7 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:12:39 PM

You realize of course that such warnings have had the intended effect. Now my mother thinks all video games cause seizures.

And with warnings like the ones Baca proposes...yeah, the next step is making video games illegal.

5 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:26:19 PM

haha, you're right about that. Let's hope this legislation is less successful.

2 up, 0 down

tes37
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:25:17 PM
Reply

I think Joe Baca may be on to something. Something stupid, that is. He should worry about his own household. I can read the ESRB game rating just fine without government assistance.

I think we need a warning label on Congress.

3 up, 0 down

THEVERDIN
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 6:02:19 AM

I think the whole Congress should be replaced.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ 11:29:27 PM
Reply

America went through this with comic books once too. We just have to weather the storm and let sense rule the day. I have half a mind to start a gamers superpac to inform the world this entertainment isn't exclusively for children.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 12:59:02 AM

I'm in. It could be a bipartisan effort. ;P

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:08:42 AM

Okay, but you should know the Freemasons may be involved :)

1 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:24:15 AM

So George Washington is behind all this ??????

Wow... that explains everything.

0 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 6:36:26 PM

Yes, George Washington Carver and his sweet pototes.

0 up, 0 down

Gabriel013
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 2:06:05 AM
Reply

I don't disagree with your article Ben but I believe there are warning labels on movies already. Don't have any to hand but I'm sure it says on the back things like "contains scenes of mild peril and scenes of a mild sexual nature".

That might only be for the R2 releases though as I can't recall what it says on R1.

Last edited by Gabriel013 on 3/21/2012 2:08:31 AM

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 2:53:21 AM

Those illuminate the type of content that has resulted in the rating and, at least here in Australia, they're already on the cases as all entertainment ratings are handled by the same board.

This is separate from them, warning of the link between the playing of video games and the increased likelihood of violent behaviour, a link, mind you, that has never been definitively proven.

0 up, 0 down

Gabriel013
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 7:45:50 AM

Ah right, I'd missed that. So these are purely health warnings, not content warnings..

Well that's just stupid then.

"Warning. Prolonged exposure may cause moral decline, leading to lawlessness and the apocalypse"

1 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 10:00:32 AM

Yeah, games have those same warnings, too. Just as the MPAA issues the ratings and warnings for movies, the ESRB does the same with games.

These guys want HEALTH warnings, like they put on cigarettes.

1 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:27:51 AM

"Gaming while pregnant may cause extra kicking in utero, and in rare cases may cause fetus gaming addiction. The Surgeon General highly advises against playing video games while pregnant."

Last edited by wackazoa on 3/21/2012 11:28:12 AM

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 2:34:59 AM
Reply

What utter, contemptible tripe. But, it's your problem. In the meantime, our R18+ rating has (finally) passed through the House of Representatives. The politicians are all still f'ed up though. That's to be expected, they're politicians.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:12:32 AM
Reply

This may just be the price gaming pays for its freedom, just like any other new entertainment form it has to survive a lengthy demonization first.

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:50:56 AM

I like that point of view.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 4:58:45 AM
Reply

whats the problem?
what does it matter if games need to have a extra sticker on them warning people?
it actually could be a good thing reminding people to locate small amounts of time onto them so the rest of the world does not end like south korea!
its become so bad there they have had to enforce curfews!
you dont have to do it with moves or books or any other form of entertainment because they rarely take 10+ hours to finish!

0 up, 0 down

matt99
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:49:13 PM

First, I know books that take well over 10 hours to finish and second, it's not that the warning is such a pain for us to read it's that it enforces fallacies that many people believe about gaming.

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Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 5:09:04 PM

The problem is the warnings are complete BS and will end up costing developers more money which will in turn cost YOU more money. Some one like you who is constantly complaining about how much games cost should understand that no name.

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BikerSaint
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 5:27:10 PM

The government's sticking their noses in where it doesn't belong & most of us didn't vote them in to to be our personal safety nannies.
Especially when it should be the responsibility of our own mothers & fathers to parent us...and nobody else!!!

But.....if there is some bad/irresponsible/ or clueless parenting shite going on which causes a serious need for someone to step in, then by all means do so.
But do it only by using a individual case-by-case scenario.

0 up, 0 down

THEVERDIN
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 6:10:01 AM
Reply

@Jawknee, the problem is the politicians don't work for us anymore, they work for themselves passing laws that they don't have to abide by.

Last edited by THEVERDIN on 3/21/2012 6:11:14 AM

1 up, 0 down

Beamboom
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 7:19:41 AM

I've heard they've formed an alliance and are building a space rocket right now that will take them to Mars and abandon the rest of us!
That's why there is an recession now - all the money has gone into making that space craft.

Can you believe it? Those politicians!

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:19:04 AM

Agreed.

0 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:29:35 AM

"building a space rocket right now that will take them to Mars and abandon the rest of us!"

Can I volunteer to help ? Maybe get them there sooner.

3 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 5:31:25 PM

Beamboom,
Lets pitch in to help in sending all of the politicians there.

None of them will ever be my "My Favorite Martian" anyway.

0 up, 0 down

Sir Dan
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 6:48:43 AM
Reply

Another great nanny state idea from the enlightened folks out on the left coast. If video games need a warning label then movies like Pulp Fiction should too. Heck some of the movies coming out of Hollywood should require a prescription by the viewer. I'm obviously arguing neither does. But lets be consistent then.

Oh, and I love the comment above by Metal Head saying the debt of California is due to taxes not being high enough. LOL!! They really have you brainwashed out there huh? Too funny.

1 up, 0 down

VampDeLeon
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 8:38:42 AM
Reply

Reminds me of Jack Thompson.. anyone remember him? Hopefully this guy ends up the same :P

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JLB1
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 8:38:57 AM
Reply

What is it with politicians and more labels? Aren't they trying to stick pictures of the affects of cigarettes on boxes as well? Sure, it's intended for children and young adults, but am I part of the minority that thinks the government should quit trying to force feed us this information? Parents should be more responsible and do some research on the games they're buying their children. Why is it that the few times that the government attempts to get something done, it's something as minuscule as more warning labels? What next, wet floor signs are accompanied by flashing lights and helmets?

1 up, 0 down

Underdog15
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 8:54:19 AM
Reply

Why does the US always seem to have these silly attempts at insignificant law changing? We all -KNOW- there are bigger fish to fry.

At any rate, I fail to see how a warning label will give us any extra info the ESRB ratings don't already tell us.

"Gore, Violence, Sexuality, Partial Nudity"

It says that stuff on them if they are in the game... what parent lacks the ability to read that and know what to do with the info?

I mean, honestly... if they don't already read the freakin' box, then they aren't going to read a less aesthetic warning.

0 up, 0 down

wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:30:57 AM

In the U.S. we sweat the small stuff. Fixing the economy always come second.

1 up, 0 down

H0TSHELLZ
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 9:23:08 AM
Reply

Great now there is gonna be less Cover Art.

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 10:24:52 AM

HA.

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matt99
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 3:49:59 PM

I love cover art, I actually bought a game once because of wicked cover art.

1 up, 0 down

Doppel
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:10:48 AM
Reply

They have money to push forward this crap and not to stop, err... the lovely 15.5 Trillion dollar debt?

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wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:32:24 AM

No offense, but can you even imagine how much 15 trillion dollars is ? And you think there is a possibility of paying down that much ?

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Underdog15
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:38:44 AM

I say put military power on the Chinese government to let the debt slide.

It's probably the only way it can be eliminated at this point.

Can you imagine the interest on that?!?!

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Jawknee
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 11:49:00 AM

It's possible. We just need to stop the spending and simplify the tax code. It would take a long time and a lot of hard work and a lot of sacrifice on he part of the takers but it could be done. I don't have much faith that it will be done though.

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wackazoa
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 12:43:05 PM

I would like to see a trillion dollars in a room. Then maybe go all Scrooge McDuck on it.

2 up, 0 down

Rogueagent01
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 2:10:15 PM
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I'm starting to wonder if these politicians have stock in or own print shops, because it is all they seem to have done over the last 40 years.

1 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Wednesday, March 21, 2012 @ 7:10:32 PM
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FYI, The ECA now has put out an "Action Alert" so you can tell your congressmen to stop this new games labeling charade....

Tell Congress That There's No Link Between Video Games and Real Life Violence

Rep. Joe Baca (D CA-43), along with Rep. Frank Wolf (R VA-10) as co-sponsor, thinks its 2009 again and have introduced H.R. 4204, “The Video Game Health Labeling Act of 2012.” This bill, if passed, would require a warning label be affixed to all games rated E (for Everyone) or up by the ESRB, regardless of the content descriptors. The warning would read: `WARNING: Exposure to violent video games has been linked to aggressive behavior.' The ECA needs your help to make sure this bill does not become law.

Congress is simply misinformed on this issue. While Congressman Baca has cited “scientific studies,” the vast majority of studies show that there is no proven causal link between violent video games and negatively aggressive behavior. In fact, several studies suggest that playing video games can be helpful to young people, such as this study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project. Further, the bill requires the label on games that are not rated E or above for violence, which could confuse parents and undermine the ESRB, which according to the FTC is the most enforced media retail system.

“The Video Game Health Labeling Act of 2012” is an unconstitutional restraint on speech that would harm consumers and parents alike. Please join with the ECA. Let your Representatives know that you want them to let the industry and parents continue to use a system that works, and have Congress stay focused on the real problems facing our nation.

You can take the few seconds it takes to sign this, right here:

http://action.theeca.com/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5716

0 up, 0 down

poisonedsodapop
Friday, March 23, 2012 @ 11:50:44 AM
Reply

I understand wanting to warn parents but it won't make a difference. I work in retail and I tell parents "this is rated Mature for yadda yadda yadda" and it's fine with them. They nod. They wave it off. They don't say "well Billy is 6 and he shouldn't be seeing this type of violence." They say he's already played the games so it's no big deal. In my time selling games I've maybe seen.... 10? Maybe more, but a handful of people who put the game back after being told that. Some people do base their purchases on the ratings which is good, but most don't.

I remember one time I got carded for wanting to buy BloodRayne. I was just about to turn 17 but of course I was still 16. The funny thing about it was my mom was standing right next to me so I just gave the money and the game. She later saw the game and laughed about the idea of the possibility of me strapping blades to my arms and being influenced by the game.

I understand the media has an effect on people but like you said Ben, what about books, movies, music. Yes people invest more time in video games but I still find it hard to blame video games solely violent behavior.

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Underdog15
Friday, March 23, 2012 @ 1:38:17 PM

Yeah, for sure. Blaming games for violence is extremely silly.

I do agree in having a ratings system though. Even though many youth are well adjusted youth, scientifically, brains don't stop development until after 18 years of age. So it's more than possible that there could be an effect of SOME kind, no matter how small from an M rated game.

16-ish is pretty darn close to adult though. But I definitely hate seeing parents buy M rated games for their 6 year olds.

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Dear Joe Baca: You Are Really Embarrassing Yourself

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