BC Scraps Mandatory Video Game Ratings 193
antarctican writes: "In their first intelligent move, the new government of British Columbia has scrapped
the mandatory video game rating system which was brought into effect last year. At last some sanity in this attempt to rid youth of these e-v-i-l influences.... *smirk* We can only hope others in positions of authority come to their senses too." But we must protect the children!
Who says video game ratings aren't mandatory here? (Score:2, Interesting)
The movie industry is the same way. Most theatres won't show non-MPAA rated films.
At least it's a legislative victory.
-Evan
needless cynisism (Score:2, Interesting)
Just some slight criticism:
Video games DO contain some really messed up concepts. Ratine systems provide parents with info so if there IS a real threat to a young child, then the parent can prevent the interaction.
The alternatives are not as "free" as rating systems unless you are suggesting that anything that goes on a store shelf is fit for a child to get in their mind.
The bottom line I think is that the cynicism was pretty inappropriate, IMHOP. I don'thave time to research video games and I don't want to say,"Nope, no video games for you kids, you may pick up a really nasty one by mistake." They should have some video games! They should NOT have Gore-Blaster IV: Chainsaw edition.
The cynisims implys that incorrect views (or some very irresponcible views) are held by some people.
Like we need them... (Score:3, Interesting)
You can tell if it's going to be violent or nasty most of the time. If it isn't, take it away from the kid.
If you're unsure, rent it first.
BC recognises it's the parent's role to look at what their kids are playing. One person's PG might be another's R, and vice versa. Nobody should be paying for a standardized system we don't need.
Back to Columbine (Score:2, Interesting)
Now for the shocking part. Please keep in mind that governments don't take their own decisions. Their decisions are based on what most of the voters want and what the pressure groups wants. In my experience, only 10% of the population is really against censorship. I thought that most slashdotters were against censorship to, but I got surprised when they were encouraging the government to stop WinXP from being published. Stop being hypocrites.
parents?? (Score:4, Interesting)
so for some, ratings dont matter. they'll just buy, and return if's too much for their kid.
What SHOULD we be rating? (Score:2, Interesting)