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Print E-mail del.icio.us 11 comment(s) - last by shortylickens.. on Jun 11 at 3:35 PM

Minnesota is also trying to stop minors from purchasing and playing violent video games

The Entertainment Software Association plans to sue the state of Minnesota after Republican governor Tim Pawlenty signed a law that would give minors a $25 fine if they purchased rated M video games.   Minnesota State Senator Sanda Pappas, the author of the bill, claims the state didn't really plan to enforce the law -- instead, "the whole goal is just to educate parents."  As it currently stands, retailers that sell the games are protected by the First Amendment, but minors aren't.  Most pieces of legislation that have been proposed would put most of the responsibility on video game retailers instead of consumers themselves.  Minnesota has been trying to put some sort of game legislation into place for the past six years but every proposal has been turned away.

On the other hand, the ESA is supporting some laws that states are implementing for game restrictions.  A recent Maryland gaming law that was signed by the governor of Maryland in late May has been supported by the ESA.  Indiana and Maryland are also both thinking about game-related legislation that would restrict or ban the sale of violent video games to minors.  Politicians have been having a difficult time successfully passing legislation in California, with a federal judge issuing an injunction against a bill that would ban the sale of games to minors.



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Apologies for going all political...
By hwhacker on 6/8/2006 3:46:52 AM , Rating: 2
...but if a $25 fine is imposed on the minors, who is legally responsible for their actions?

A: Their parents/guardians. The ones that should be watching, paying attention, and making the decision in what they are playing in their home to begin with. I see a M-rated game as no different that an R-rated movie. No minors, unless consented by an adult. Sure there are ways to exploit that system, but that's besides the point.

This makes this system inheratly flawed IMO, as it can end up punishing the parent for a decision they are entitled to make. It's not the goverments job to take away a child's allowance.

I love my bordering neighbors to the west, but sometimes I question your Governor and Freshman Senator. They both say and do some crazy stuff.




By hwhacker on 6/8/2006 3:48:33 AM , Rating: 2
Easterly neighbors, not west. Regardless... ;)


By dead1ne on 6/8/2006 11:24:27 AM , Rating: 2
It is different than an R rated movie. The MPAA is the enforcer of that age restriction system not the federal government. A movie theatre can allow anyone in that they want to, however, if they don't follow the MPAA's rules they will lose their right to show the MPAA's movies.

Also from what I have read under the law if a parent chooses to buy the game for their kid they will not be fined they fee, but if their kid goes off and buys it without their knowing then they would. So it doesn't punish parents for choosing to let their kids play the game, but instead for not knowing what their child is doing.


pawlenty
By colin6969 on 6/8/2006 8:00:32 PM , Rating: 2
I live in MN. Pawlenty should be crucified. This thing isn't a big deal....but Pawlenty should still burn.




RE: pawlenty
By shortylickens on 6/11/2006 3:33:23 PM , Rating: 2
The Navy has taken me away for 9 years now, but when I was home Republicans didnt pull shit like this.
They were actually somewhat reasonable back then.
Things change, I guess.


RE: pawlenty
By shortylickens on 6/11/2006 3:35:56 PM , Rating: 2
Holy CRAP!
I just read that article a little closer.
"Didnt plan to enforce the law." ???
WTF is that?
Are we California now?


A better solution...
By PrinceGaz on 6/8/2006 2:55:33 PM , Rating: 2
Why not have all console game discs have the game's ESRB rating included on it which is read by the console and checked to see if a PIN must be entered to play it.

Before the console could be used, the parental control settings would have to be setup by the parent (preferably)- they could choose up to what rating the child is allowed to play. Games up to that rating would play normally, while those above it would require the PIN to be entered in order to play.

So simple, so effective, so why haven't they done it?




RE: A better solution...
By rushfan2006 on 6/8/2006 4:18:14 PM , Rating: 2
Not a bad idea actually, of course it assumes the parent is the original person to configure the pin password.

Of course you realize if Daily Tech for instance broke a story with your suggestion having been implemented...you get 50 responses here whining and crying...

You know how much paranoia and how "wussy and whiney" folks are today...


Apply same argument to...
By segagenesis on 6/8/2006 9:42:07 AM , Rating: 2
...many many other things that are illegal for kids. Personally I think this is another case of "personal responsibility surrenders" where parents cant take 5 seconds to check the box/disc of the game thier kids are playing.

There is some validity to the idea however unpopular it may be, as selling ciggs and booze to a minor will earn you in some cases a much larger fine. Although like many other things that are bad/illegal, kids who really want the stuff will get thier hands on it anyways by other means.




Stupid
By Trisped on 6/8/2006 2:52:17 PM , Rating: 2
The only reason to oppose this bill is if they prevent 17 yearolds from buying the M games, and even then it is kind of stupid.

If you don't want to have issues, just release games that are not M. If it weren't for all the M games that are trying to push the envelop laws like this wouldn't make sense.




Say WHAT?!
By 9nails on 6/9/2006 8:19:34 PM , Rating: 2
If you're 15 in Minnesota, you may get married, drive a car, and get a job. But you're not allowed to play a video game?!




"When an individual makes a copy of a song for himself, I suppose we can say he stole a song." -- Sony BMG attorney Jennifer Pariser













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