Required Labels on Video Game Packaging

[madoublex]

Apparently congress doesn't realize that the ESRB exists, so the decided they should put a big fat warning label on EVERY BOX.

The bill states:

The warning label required…shall be placed in a clear and conspicuous location on the packaging of the applicable video game and shall state: ‘WARNING: Exposure to violent video games has been linked to aggressive behavior.

This already is bullshit, not only because it compromises the box art, but because of that pretty bold statement at the end. It goes on to say:

Just as we warn smokers of the health consequences of tobacco, we should warn parents — and children — about the growing scientific evidence demonstrating a relationship between violent video games and violent behavior. As a parent and grandparent, I think it is important people know everything they can about the extremely violent nature of some of these games.

WHAT SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE!? That incident with the school shootings? Just because he bought DOOM at some point, doesn't mean the game caused it. Or what about when counter-strike was supposedly teaching people how to kill? The hit-boxes in that game were so bad you probably wouldn't have caused any real damage anyway. These people must be pulling stuff out of there asses, because they refuse to site ANY of this "Scientific Evidence." I believe Brian P. Rubin put it best when he said:

Well, as a gamer and a reasonably intelligent human being, I think you’re a complete idiot. But, sadly, I can’t introduce legislation that would allow me to put a label on your forehead that says, “WARNING: Exposure to idiots has been linked to aggressive behavior.

Here's the bill if you want to read it.

Discuss

[Pleiades]

At least they have their priorities straight.

[deiviuxs]

This is stupid.

ESRB ratings should be enough since on the back they mention what the game includes (strong language, blood, etc.). I know that I will never use such a label on my covers, lol.

[madoublex]

At least they have their priorities straight.

Although true, they're reasoning behind it is way off.

[Spiderpig24]

I play violent games and I am in no way at all a violent person or ever wish to be. It's people like this, with there 'scientific evidence', that will end up ruining the games and movie industries. If they don't want to play it, then fine, but don't ruin it for the competent people that know the difference between a movie/game and real life.

[Pleiades]

Although true, they're reasoning behind it is way off.

I was being sarcastic, actually.

The entire idea is pointless, and further nullified by the presence of the ESRB, which largely does the part of this warning label in greater detail. Not only that, but linking aggressive behavior and video games as if it were fact is completely ridiculous.

[roza]

This is fucking idiotic. I play so many violent games. Mortal Kombat, Dead Rising, Resident Evil, Left 4 Dead, etc, yet I'm not violent at all, I'm somewhat of a conciousness objector and a pacifist

[Throavium]

Then they should do the same thing to packaged movies and music.

[roza]

Then they should do the same thing to packaged movies and music.

Don't forget books, paintings, ornaments and packaged meats

[AgentLampshade]

So glad I don't stay in America, you guys always seem to get the short straw when it comes to box art.

[Throavium]

They acknowledge the ESRB exists but believe it's not enough. There is warning on the front, and on the back of every Video Game cover in America, MATURE ratings since Mortal Kombat came out. Shops don't allow people under 18 to purchase games that require a person to be 18 or older. The scientific evidence they speak of is their own source of false evidence to help support their claim.

[RAiDeN-209]

That's ridiculous. I've been playing violent video games since I was 5 and I wouldn't hurt a fly.

[Eggboy'13]

Awww fuck.

You know what this means? The boxart is going to be 30% warning label.
I just know it.

[YamiGekusu]

*facepalm* Really?

I don't see playing violent video games as a big deal. But idiot politicians think they can push our shit around like we're their goddamn puppets.