As you watch governor Arnold Schwarzenegger walk away, you expect him to turn his head as you see the dark shades and hear him say “I’ll Be Back” with that deep bionic Austrian voice. Introducing the next “Terminator” film, people!
In reality, it’s about law. This is the United States of America.
The story of 2011 is a fight of free expression vs. the welfare of our children. The state of California seems to have a stranglehold on the video game industry in a law that prohibits the sale of any ‘violent’ video game to children under 18 years of age. It’s a good stranglehold, too.
The issue itself has scientific basis; research has shown a latent mental, emotional effect on children regarding video games, specifically the kind of video games giving players the “power” to commit certain acts that are otherwise illegal in the real world–such as killing, maiming, attacking, raping, fornicating, drug use, and even stealing. Proposing a strict rating system similar to the system used for the motion picture industry is the goal, and while the video game industry considers it a violation of their free expression, there’s no denying the fact that there are some adverse effects toward children actually playing these games.
However, keep in mind this point: the issue is not ‘playing’ the games, rather it’s ‘purchasing’ them. Whatever happens in the home, happens in the home. It becomes a parental responsibility. However, when on a commercial field, sellers need to be mindful–much like bartenders are about underrage drinking–that what they’re selling to some kids might not be beneficial to them.
After all, you wouldn’t want your kids acting like some of the characters in Mortal Kombat, would you?