Illinois Gaming law.... what do you think?

[Guest zerodamage]

May soon be a misdemeanor for minors to be purchased violent videogames.

 

Top Stories - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

Illinois Seeks to Curb Explicit Video Games

 

Thu Dec 16, 7:55 AM ET

 

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By P.J. Huffstutter Times Staff Writer

 

CHICAGO  This holiday season, children searching for the latest video game titles could walk into a store and buy "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas"  which lets players kill cops, steal cars, solicit prostitutes and then beat them to get their money back. Or kids could pick up a copy of "The Guy Game" and answer questions to get busty female characters to slip out of their clothes or engage in topless rope jumping and sack races.

 

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Today, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will formally propose the nation's first statewide legislation to regulate the sale and rental of these games, propelling Illinois into a national debate over what to do about this burgeoning and controversial form of entertainment.

 

The two bills he is promoting would make it a crime for retailers to rent or sell such violent or sexually graphic material to minors, policing video games in much the same way as cigarettes and alcohol.

 

They also would target the powerful video game industry, which pulled in $10 billion in personal computer and console game sales in the U.S. last year  revenue that rivaled Hollywood's box office numbers.

 

"Soldiers heading to Iraq (news - web sites) use simulations like today's video games in order to prepare for war," Blagojevich said in a statement. "That may all be OK if you're a mature adult or a soldier training to fight, but is that really necessary for a 10-year-old child?"

 

If approved by the Illinois Legislature  and upheld in the courts  the bills would make it a misdemeanor to sell or rent sexually graphic or violent games to anyone younger than 18, punishable by as much as one year in prison and a $5,000 fine per offense.

 

Retailers would be forced to label the games in a similar way to the "Parental Advisory" warning used on music CDs; and stores would have to post signs explaining the video game industry's rating system. Those that don't could be fined $1,000 for the first three violations, and $5,000 for every subsequent violation.

 

And Illinois would create its own definition of what qualified as violent or sexually graphic  including titles "realistically depicting human-on-human violence" or realistic images of human genitalia, the governor said.

 

The Legislature will consider the bills when lawmakers begin their new session in mid-January.

 

The proposals have been met with disbelief by retailers and video game makers, who long have pushed for self-regulation of their industry.

 

Most video game makers now use ratings established by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, a New York-based, industry-sponsored group that taps parents, consumers and retired schoolteachers to grade games. The system rates games E, acceptable for everyone age 6 and older; T for teens; and M for mature audiences 17 or older.

 

"Every time there's a major new release, or a new release of technology, you see new attempts to regulate this industry," said Sean Bersell, spokesman for the Video Software Dealers Assn., the trade group for the home-video market that represents retailers and distributors of video games.

 

But government officials say most parents aren't aware of the ratings, and few retailers consistently enforce them. In July 2003, a report by the Federal Trade Commission found that 78% of children ages 13 though 16 could easily buy games rated for mature audiences.

 

"Trusting the game industry to police itself is akin to trusting tobacco companies to regulate themselves," said James Steyer, chief executive of the nonprofit watchdog group Common Sense Media. "The retailers and manufacturers have been saying for years, 'Trust us; we'll take care of all this.' And look where we are now."

 

This year's holiday offerings include some of the industry's most cutting-edge work  and, according to Blagojevich's office, some of its goriest and most obscene.

 

Blagojevich pointed to the violence in "Doom 3," which pits Marines against a host of zombies and monsters on Mars; and "Manhunt," in which the player uses machetes, axes and meat cleavers to disembowel enemies. He also highlighted the sexual nature of "Rumble Rose," which features a cast of characters that includes a disciplinarian schoolteacher, a naughty schoolgirl and a sadomasochistic slave.

 

Until recently, there have been few self-policing policies in place among retailers, said Hal Halpin, president of the Interactive Entertainment Merchants Assn., which represents 29 of the top 30 retailers that sell games.

 

 

 

"When the FTC report came out, about a third of the retailers had some sort of age-monitoring system," Halpin said. "Some were doing well and others weren't."

 

In December 2003, the association announced that all of its members would institute internal programs to curtail the sale of M-rated titles to kids. The program  being used by retailers such as Wal-Mart Stores Inc. and Target Corp.  finished rolling out this month.

 

Much to the chagrin of both politicians and family-advocate groups, violence and sex continue to sell well in the world of digital entertainment. And the influence and reach of the games are growing.

 

Hollywood studios and software programmers work to time the release of games on the retail shelves for when a feature film hits the big screen. Agents cut deals for game makers to turn their digital characters into movie projects  such as the successful "Tomb Raider" series  and arrange for Hollywood actors to step onto a game's digital set.

 

The industry even has its own awards show. Held in Santa Monica on Tuesday, the second annual Video Game Awards showered kudos on "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas." The title, the latest in a controversial series set amid a background of crime, won game of the year and best male performer for actor Samuel L. Jackson, who did the voice-over for one of its characters.

 

The line dividing movies and video games has become increasingly blurred as players use more powerful computers and software tools let developers create more photorealistic images.

 

At the same time, analysts say, game players have grown older  and are seeking more mature material.

 

So game developers are meeting that demand. About 11% of the last year's software sales in the U.S. came from M-rated games, according to the Entertainment Software Assn., the trade group representing U.S. computer and video game publishers.

 

"We all want to protect children. But the laws cannot treat games differently than movies, books or magazines," said Gail Markels, general counsel for the ESA. "The definitions of violence and sexual explicitness the [illinois] governor's office is proposing seem to be too broad. Realistic human-on-human violence? That encompasses the movie 'Saving Private Ryan.' "

 

So far, the courts consistently have overturned other state and local efforts to restrict minors' access to controversial titles.

 

Earlier this year, a federal district court struck down a Washington state law that fined retailers who sold minors video games that showed police officers being harmed. The court ruled that the law was unconstitutional, and state officials decided not to appeal the decision.

 

St. Louis County, Mo., implemented a law in 2000 that made it a misdemeanor to knowingly sell or rent violent or sexually graphic video games to a minor unless the child were accompanied by a parent or guardian. A lower court concluded that video games were not protected speech.

 

But a federal appeals court overturned that decision in 2003. A comparable law in Indianapolis was struck down in 2001 by a federal appellate court.

 

Questionable video games

 

Illinois could become the first state to ban the sale and distribution of violent and sexually explicit video games to minors. The games below are the top five that parents should avoid for children and teens, according to an annual report card put out Nov. 24 by the National Institute on Media and the Family. Each is labeled M for mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board.

 

Games that top the list

 

*

 

'Doom 3'

 

Marine fights his way through zombies and monsters on Mars

 

- Game setting contains hallways streaked with blood, body parts and mutilated bodies

 

- The screams of humans are part of the background music

 

*

 

'Grand Theft Auto'

 

Former gang member shoots and steals his way through problems.

 

- Adult language is used

 

- Violence is frequent and sometimes very brutal

 

- Gangsters kill cops and steal cars

 

- Gangsters solicit prostitutes and then beat them

 

*

 

'Half-Life 2'

 

Scientist battles against an alien invasion

 

- Violent, gory and blood-filled

 

- n Player watches other humans being devoured

 

- n Player kills aliens and federal agents

 

*

 

'Halo 2'

 

Warrior fighting an insurrection

 

- Intense violence

 

- Primarily consists of shooting and killing aliens

 

- Graphic descriptions of player's death

 

*

 

'Resident Evil'

 

Escape a city overrun by zombies

 

- Explicit violence and gore

 

- Weapons include pipes, handguns, Molotov cocktails and rocket launchers

 

- Excessive profanity

 

*

 

Sales (in billions)

 

2003: $7.0

 

1995: $3.2

 

*

 

Sources: Entertainment Software Assn., National Institute on Media and the Family, state of Illinois

 

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=stor...licitvideogames

[appalachian_fox]

Hrm...I think it's a parent issue. Sure, some of this stuff shouldn't be in the hands of younguns (Doom3 woulda given me nightmares if I kept playing it) but correct me if I'm wrong, can younguns still purchase Explicit Lyrics-labelled albums without parents around? I know a parent's job is hard, and any help a parent can get is great, but Wal-Mart can't raise children, regardless of what legislators feel.

[Toka]

I don't see what it's suposed to do unless other states are different then mine right now, because i was carded to rent GTA: S.A. So....maybe im confused.

[TheBugs]

i agree with fox.Its the parents that need more "parenting"

[ConGregation]

Hrm...I think it's a parent issue.  Sure, some of this stuff shouldn't be in the hands of younguns (Doom3 woulda given me nightmares if I kept playing it) but correct me if I'm wrong, can younguns still purchase Explicit Lyrics-labelled albums without parents around?  I know a parent's job is hard, and any help a parent can get is great, but Wal-Mart can't raise children, regardless of what legislators feel.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

 

 

Haven't read the article but isn't this putting the power back into the parent's hands? It makes juveniles take their parents along when buing a violent game.

[gOOters]

Good point Rev.

[Fatty]

Nice rev, I'm glad I read b4 posting else I'd have looked like I was clonin you!

 

Bad for kids? Put an age limit on it. Just like smokes, beer, pr0n, etc.

[Guest PDO]

Haven't read the article but isn't this putting the power back into the parent's hands? It makes juveniles take their parents along when buing a violent game.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

And where were 12 year old kids getting $50 from in the first place..?

 

Violent video games are over-rated for their "effect" on kids, if any.

[Guest zerodamage]

I just think they should make the law apply to violent music and movies too.

[Guest PDO]

I just think they should make the law apply to violent music and movies too.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Why?

[Sir Shertown Pimp]

I don't know, Ive played every major violent video game, seen every crazy violent movie, and heard insanely bad lyrics since I was ten without my parents knowledge: they would of flipped if they heard the music I listened to. The only thing this will do is make 18 year olds buy the stuff for them.

[Guest PDO]

I don't know, Ive played every major violent video game, seen every crazy violent movie, and heard insanely bad lyrics since I was ten without my parents knowledge:  they would of flipped if they heard the music I listened to. The only thing this will do is make 18 year olds buy the stuff for them.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Similar to beer..

 

For the amount of people that are actually at all changed by these things, I don't think it's at all an issue.

 

Besides - isn't the fact that the local news is lead off with a head story of a "deadly car crash" or "a killing spree" much worse?

[Gunman]

Currently in retail I am required by Wisconsin and Federal Law to ask for a persons I.D. if they appear to be under the age of 18 and are buying an "M" rated game. If I do NOT ask for I.D. and the person buys the game from me I will automatically lose my job and Circuit City will be fined $10,000.

 

I cannot - by law - sell ANYONE an M rated game if they appear and are under 18 years old.

 

Gunny

[YoMamma]

I live in IL and I hate it when little kids rent these games, but to make a law on it doesnt seem right. I always warn the parent about the content just because I feel young kids shouldnt be playin M rated games. Thing is...they rent the game for their kids anyways. Stupid parents are to blame.

[NyxErinyes]

I've got no problems with a law that says "a parent has to be with 13-17 year old johnny when he buys Half-Life 2." I do have a problem with "Johnny can't play HL2 because he's not 18." I think alcohol, smoking, and porn are far more detrimental to persons physical and mental wellbeing than playing as Gordon Freeman and slagging a few headcrabs. However, I think, like all things that are put into a childs body and mind, their parents have the right and RESPONSIBILITY, to police them.

 

If Johnny can't play as Gordon cause Mom said no, well too bad John. Play when you're old enough to buy it yourself. The effect of violent videogames HAS been documented on young children and young adults. It increases violent thoughts and tendencies, but in normal people is not appreciable. The general consensus of Psychologists (as presented by my instructor and texts anyway) is that violence in this type of interactive environment, DOES have an effect on a way a person thinks, but is unlikely (if that person is mentally "normal") to precipitate a change in behavior. However it was noted that the impact is actually larger than the impact of homework on your academic prowess. Chew on that one a minute or two.

 

The idea that counter-strike, etc are "Stress-relievers" is a myth. Violence breeds at the very least, more tension. Hence why attitudes seem to run high in such things and people need to be reminded 'hey, its just a game" rather often.

 

All that said, I think parents have an absolute duty to police what their kids take into their minds and bodies and that this law is just fine so long as it leaves control in the parents hands and doesnt become censorship. (I dont want to see Half-Life 3 canned cause some political moron decided killing "combine aka federal" agents is bad. I don't mind having to ask my dad if its ok for me to get it (if I were still a minor.)) So, let em pass it, as long as there's some sanity and game producers can still make some fun stuff.

 

On a side note, I myself couldn't complete Doom 3. It was too... disturbing. So that's one thing I wouldn't let my kids play and would be happy to have some law that prevented them from getting a hold of it without my knowledge.

[Ice_Berge_00]

I didn't have time to read everyone's post yet, but here's my thoughts.

 

I personaly have no problem with stores having to check to make sure violent games aren't sold directly to underage children. HOWEVER, I think the ultimately this has to the be the responsiblity of the parent. Your kid can play the most violent games and still know that in the end it's just a game, and that real life is very different.

 

I have a major problem with the attitude that violent games make people violent, because it simply isn't right. It's the parents that fail to teach the children playing those games that there's a difference. My little sister was playing her favorite computer game when she was only 3 years old. I was 12. The game was Doom and Doom 2. She plays it constantly, but a few years later when the tragedy at Columbine happened, the first thing she said to my mother was "Mom, why did they do that?"

 

I feel very strongly that the argument that many made then, and now is biased, foolish and very ignorant. Ultimately it falls to those who are raising the children to take the responsiblity they asked for when they decided to become parents.

 

 

 

Ok, that's my rant, sorry I subjected it to you guys! Let me just say that I don't oppose a bill that would require stores to check birthdates for a game rated for Mature Adults. It's true purpose should be to force the parents to get educated about what their kids are playing, and to be responsible.

[appalachian_fox]

Ok, I have to agree, especially since Con brought up the point that by putting an age requirement it does give the parents more of a say. Granted, 21 year olds will buy young'uns beer, 18 year olds will buy young'uns cigarettes, but this law really assists those parents who are very involved in their childrens' lives. Granted, I had involved parents and I still got around them, but laws like this, which don't regulate use give parents an extra hand. It sure does take a village to raise a child, eh?