The legacy of Democrat Leland Yee is approved by Republican Governor Schwarzenegger, but the video game industry stands ready to challenge the forthcoming lawCalifornia Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last week approved of Assemblyman Leland Yee's new bill which makes it illegal for retailers to sell "violent" video games to minors.?Retailers caught violating this law will face a $1000US fine.?We assume "violent" is within context with the current Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings, in which case you're probably left wondering what even makes this bill, supported by Common Sense Media, necessary in the first place.
"The bill, which will come into effect January 1, 2006, bans the sale or rental of 'violent video games' to children. What exactly is a 'violent video game'? According to the state's legal summary of the bill, a 'violent' game is defined as a 'game in which the range of options available to a player includes killing, maiming, dismembering, or sexually assaulting an image of a human being.' That definition would seem to cover virtually every M-for-Mature-rated game and many T-for-Teen rated games as well."
Naturally, key members in the video game industry including the Entertainment Software Association itself are not taking this sitting down, and have vowed to put a stop to the law before it can take effect:
"'We are disappointed that politicians of both parties chose to toss overboard the First Amendment and free artistic and creative expression in favor of political expediency,' said ESA president Doug Lowenstein in an statement. 'AB 1179 is punitive against retailers, will waste limited taxpayer dollars, and when it is struck down by the courts, as has been the fate of similar statutes, parents will be no better off for this effort to damage one of the state's fastest growing and most exciting industries that is providing some of the most compelling entertainment in the world today.' Lowenstein said the ESA is already planning a lawsuit to have the bill deemed unconstitutional."
Article Link: GameSpot
