Editorial: The Attack on Gaming 2

Recently, California’s Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill which would have fines up to one thousand dollars for those caught selling “violent games” to minors. Looking at the bill’s text gives no good benchmark as to what is a “violent video game”. The specific text in no way gives regard to the ESRB ratings. It’s as if they are trying to make their own ratings and standerds rather than going by the functioning and clear ones already handed down. If impacted retailers are willing to fight any fines they recieve based on the unspecific definitions that could encompass any number of games rated “T” or even “E”. It could clog up the legal system with a bunch of battles the state shouldn’t have to wage. All for a relatively measly $1000. Does the State of California want a clear, enforceable law, or do they want to turn games into a series of expensive court battles? Every precedent set by any court ruling would become obsolete as new games are released. If California wants to limit a minor’s access to violent games, there are better ways to do it.

Zack Rovinsky