Supreme Cort Videogame Case

[Jackmac]

Hey everybody, for those of you who aren't up to date on the news, or who don't live in the USA, there is something you should know. Within this next year the Supreme Cort is having a trial over "violent" videogames. If this case passes then they plan to make in illegal to sell violent games, and fining those who try to sell them. Their argument is that videogames give real life depictions of events, but without real life consequences. Saying that that kind of imagery can severely harm a child's psychological standing, especially those who are under the age of 17. What are your opinions/thoughts/comments?

I personally am EXTREMELY angry that this long debated issue has actually extended to the Supreme Cort. Yes, videogame do not accurately project what real life is like. If you actually got shot you would either be wounded or die. But the same can be said with books and music. Just because a person reads a graphic piece of literature or listens to violent music lyrics doesn't mean that the person will become violent. Furthermore, if the people arguing this case took the time to read the ESRB standards, they would realize that M rated games REQUIRE you to be either 17 years old, or have a parent/guardian with you when you purchase said game. While I am unsure of most stores that sell videogames, I do know that GameStop follows the ESRB guidelines to the letter. My thoughts are pretty jumbled up, but my opinion has been the same ever since the Grand Theft Auto "Hot Coffee" incident, just because a game is violent, doesn't mean that the videogame maker(s) should be punished. I say that the PARENTS who allowed the kid to purchase and play the game should be punished instead for not doing their god damned job as a parent.

[Helba]

i don't see why they're kicking up a stink about games,i mean,THEY'RE JUST PIXEL PEOPLE!!!,it's not like each pixel is tied to the life of one person to the point where if that pixel dies,so does the person it's linked to, ,as for the parents who blame video games,i've this to say:AAAAHHH,SHADDAP!!!!,and try not letting your kids play violent games.seriously,some people are far too arrogant to admit they made a mistake.

[SA Android Series]

(this isn't directed at anyone here, i was just too lazy to write it any other way.)

It's usually just a case of a horrible parent realizing that they're a horrible parent, and not accepting it. Instead, the point fingers and try to shift the blame onto the a slightly less, but still acceptable culprit.

I'm not saying to not buy these games for your kids, but i'm not saying to buy them either. Maybe a child is influenced by the content in these games, or maybe they aren't. Regardless of whether or not they are, you should do your duty as a parent, turn off that monotonous bullshit "Family-oriented programming" on the TV, and teach your child right from wrong.

Besides, it's not like any other form of entertainment is any different. TV is crawling with all sorts of that kinda stuff.

And yeah, Jackmac is right, Gamestop is on the ball when it comes to ESRB regulations. It may not be on the ball with it's pricing, or the people it employs, but it's got ESRB down tight. The people that work at two of the three stores in my area may be total douchebags, but they make sure the parent knows the content of the games they buy for their children.

Thanks, Jackmac. I enjoyed typing this.

This has been a message from someone who plays violent Video Games. A lot.

[HeartBreak301]

Oh great, this again. And its going to the Supreme Court, lol. So if it'll be illegal to own these games, I guess I just lost 80% of my games.

Also, Helba, aren't there pretty strict game laws in Australia? I think I remember hearing that the GTA games are illegal there.

[Helba]

the rumor of the gta series being illegal in australia isn't at all true.

[Jackmac]

Apparently I was a little bit off with my information that I received from my local new station. The law wouldn't make it illegal to own "violent" videogames, but simply make it illegal to sell "violent" videogames to a child under the age of 18 (with a $1,000 fine as a penalty). They would also slap a nice big n' pretty "EIGHT-TEEN" sicker on the front of said "violent" videogames...which doesn't really solve anything, especially if the parents still don't bother to understand what the rating system means.

I say we get the ESRB to elaborate on their ratings slightly, and then just crack down on stores like Target and Wallmart that don't follow the ESRB guidelines.

[Sitrus]

>_> Supreme Court for this? Pathetic...

Reminds me of a time in the past where a boy had procured a pistol and brandished it at his cousin after playing GTA or something like that. And all the papers blamed the games company (Rockstar? I don't play GTA lol) instead of the stupid irresponsible parents.

I buy most, if not all my games from CEX, and they make the Age Restrictions store policy; if you're under the Age Requirement, you ain't getting the damn game. I know the manager though, so they let me slide with that.

I remember once, this worker refused to sell this 10 year old GTA 4. So the kid did the usual workaround and tried to get his mother to buy it for him. The guy still refused to sell it. If only all game stores did that though... *cough cough GAMESTATION cough* My little sister actually bought flipping Resi 5 from there, and they didn't do shit.

But I'm a hypocrite though, since I let my little brother play a bit of Left 4 Dead 2 with me lol ::

[SA Android Series]

I know down here in Texas you can at least lose your job for it, and i think the individual that sold it gets fined. But that's only if a parent isn't present.

[Stylezz]

Well now that i have read everyones views....Let me state first and foremost that i used to work at Gamestop. With that i am a firm believer in the ESRB rating system the only flaw with this system is that its about 1 inch tall and 1/2 inch wide on the bottm left corner of the front of the box. Not to mention that the people that pick up said games don't bother with looking at it. I guess its the pretty pictures and colors on the box that draws the attention.

But anyway back to the point.
1. STUPID PEOPLE SHOULDN"T BREED AND DUMB PEOPLE SHOULDN"T LET THEM.
2. If they put a bigger age restriction on video games GOOD FOR THEM.
3. I (personally) think that all store should be required to make it a point to explain the ESRB rating system in detail before selling a game.(violent or not)
4. ESRB should take it up a notch to push the information of their ratings system on parents and child alike.

But in all it doesn't bother me this should of been done back when they changed the laws for buying spray paint and lighters. You have to be 18 to buy both and thought some might argue that its because you can physically cause harm with those doesn't change anything. Come on NEW GENERATION remember that physical mental and emotion harm is allll STILLLLL HARM wake up pain is pain. Letting someone play a game and not doing anything and knowing the POSSIBLITY of them having a psychologically altered view of reality(in my eyes). Is the same as turning the other cheek when they get in a fight in school or do something you know is wrong. Because both are what they will call being an ENABLER. So take a more active role in your childrens lives and don't just let the years pass.

P.S. Coming from a guy that was a uncle at 13 and a HUGE influence in a childs life most of his.

Stylezz (A.K.A. Joe)

[ChicoSuave]

I gew up on horror movies and violent video games. I was watching Child's Play and playing Duck Hunt at age 3, so yea. Granted, I have sort of a sick sense of humor compared to "normal" people, but I'm not a violent person. I was raised well, always taught to be respectful. My mom's worked a full time job my whole life and is still only around at night and on weekends, and my dad was locked up for half my childhood, the other half he was mostly doing his own thing. The lessons he taught me have stuck with me though and never steered me wrong. Bottom line, it doesn't matter what kids get exposed to, if the parents do their job the kid's gonna turn out fine.