Proposed Bill to Require Warning Labels on Video Games

Although this is not Nintendo Specific news, it could affect all NoA Fanboys and Girls just the same.

RepublicanCongressman Joe Baca of California and Frank Wolf of Virginia have proposed a bill that would require video game developers to include a health warning label to be attached to all video games.  This is bill would require similar warnings that are currently on packs of cigarettes.

The proposed warning sticker/label would be placed on Violent video games that could foster a violent behavior.  According to the congressman, the Game industry has “repeatedly failed” to provide adequate warnings and has been irresponsible in labeling games.  The warning would be required on all games with an EC (Early Childhood) rating by the ESRB-EVEN IF NO VIOLENCE IS FEATURED IN IT!

The congressman had the following to say:

“The video game industry has a responsibility to parents, families and to consumers – to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products. They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility,” said Californian congressmen Joe Baca.

“Just as we warn smokers of the health consequences of tobacco, we should warn parents – and children – about the growing scientific evidence demonstrating a relationship between violent video games and violent behavior. As a parent and grandparent, I think it is important people know everything they can about the extremely violent nature of some of these games,” added Virginian congressmen .

The sticker that they want will simply state:

“WARNING: Exposure to violent video games has been linked to aggressive behavior.”

Now, in my mind this is overkill.  We already have the ESRB ratings, why is this not enough?  As a parent, I know that my role in my Child’s gaming experience is to monitor them teach them right from wrong.  I do not need a little sticker (that obviously works so well on packs of cigarettes) to tell em that there is violence.  I can research the game, I can play the game along with my children, and I can make the choice for my family whether or not to allow them to play the game.

As some of you might know, I am very against the stigma that violent video games breeds violence in people.  I also believe that musicians such as Marilyn Manson, or other mediums that get blamed, are falsely accused.  Those that do become influenced by the games typically have deeper rooted issues.  Those people should be monitored by Parents/Guardians/Relatives/and close friends.  Any signs of aggression should be approached by those that love and care for them.  It should not be monitored by a little sticker on the box.

What are your thoughts on the proposed bill?  Do we need this sticker, or is it a waist of time and money?

Essel Pratt has spent his life exploring his imagination and dreams. As a Husband and a Father, he doesn't have as much time to write as he would like. However, his mind is always plotting out his next story. Someday he hopes to quit the 9-5 grind and focus on writing full time. Currently, Essel has three published short stories and is working on a handful of novels. Essel focuses his writings on mostly Horror/Sci-Fi, however is known to add a dash of other genres into his writings as well. In his spare time, he can be found playing one of the 40+ video game consoles in his collection, especially his Wii U (NNID: EsselPratt). Click the links below to follow Essel's exploits in the writing world, and be sure to follow his blog at http://esselpratt.blogspot.com/ as well as his articles on Nerdzy.com.