EU wants crackdown on violent game sales

***wraggster*** · January 11th, 2007, 18:14

via gamesindustry

European commisssioner for justice and security, Franco Frattini, is calling for a unified crackdown on the sale of violent videogames to minors.

The EU politician is hoping to introduce new legislation within six months, proposing that tougher sanctions are imposed on retailers caught selling mature-rated titles to under-age consumers.

"I want to harmonise rules punishing people illegally selling products, people not controlling and checking identity," Frattini told Reuters.

The politician wants unified rules across Europe, but also expects individual countries to decide which titles should face sale restrictions.

"We cannot judge from Brussels which videogames should be prohibited," he said.

**drEDN4wt** · January 11th, 2007, 20:48

Will Mario kicking a turtle to death be considered violent?

**alienanthropologist** · January 11th, 2007, 21:40

it depends on how much blood it spills

**Equin0x** · January 11th, 2007, 23:01

When I was 19 I remember being turned away from buying an 18 game (PsyOps), I just went round the corner to another shop and bought it from them.

Guess it was my own fault for not having ID, but still I didn't look younger than 18

For the most part I can see this "crackdown" being good, less people complaining about children being exposed to things in games, for the other part if you don't have ID and look young you are out of luck

**Amethyst** · January 11th, 2007, 23:06

This is what should be done, the supervision of sales, not the demonization of video games. Those stores which sell mature rated games to minors should face a fine.

Like alcohol, tobacco, R rated movies, and porn, M rated games are not for those under 18 (or whatever it is in Europe).

**Zourn** · January 11th, 2007, 23:21

Problem is, just like alcohol, tobacco, R rated movies, porn, and even drugs, minors will find ways to get their hands on M/18+ rated games no matter how many laws and regulations you stack on them.

**The_It** · January 12th, 2007, 01:03

M rated games are like cigarettes now or something?

**Amethyst** · January 12th, 2007, 06:32

True, kids can still get their hands on them, but the scapegoat is no longer as direct on the industry. No more, "Lil' Timmy was sold this at the mall. It's the industry's fault". Now it's, "the mall f'cked up. It's the mall's fault". Of course, where there's a will there's a way. Some d'cks will still find a way to get sh't all over everything.

The It, I'm not comparing the content. I don't know why you assume I'm suggesting that cigarettes and M rated games are equal evils. I'm comparing the recommended demographics for these products. Like cigarettes, M rated games are intended only for the "mature" (of course they mean the age when the average person is expected to be mature enough to take personal and social responsibilities for their actions). These "mature" products should be moderated and supervised. Sure, the impact may not be significant, but at least there's an undeniable effort being made. It's better to be caught "looking busy" and doing nothing than to be caught actually doing nothing.

You want me to make an unfair comparison of cigarettes and games? They are addicting and may cause damage to one's health (I kid).