The Triangle

Issue date: 4/24/09 Section: Ed-Op

Media Credit: Olivia Garrity

A few weeks ago, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman vetoed a state bill that would have allowed civil action against stores that claimed to not sell mature-rated video games to minors, but did sell them to minors anyway. While this bill had a noble cause, it did raise a few questions. Should the government decide what practices a company must follow when selling video games? More importantly, should the government have a say in what type of games can be made?

Video games have seen a huge rise in popularity over the last few years. Part of the recent success is credited to the fact that the industry has broadened its audience. Games are no longer just for little kids. Markets have emerged for family-friendly games, but an even larger one encompasses adult gamers with mature themes. According to The New York Times, the average age of a video game player is 30, and it may increase in the future.

Despite the mature age of the average gamer, games are constantly being monitored for fear that they may corrupt the youth. According to the Entertainment Software Rating Board, mature-rated games are suitable for individuals 17 years of age or older and may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content and/or strong language. This rating is similar to the R-rated movies of the Motion Picture Association of America. If some people argue that violent movies can harm a child's morals, shouldn't they also be put under the strict rules facing games?

Galeria Kaufhof, a German department store, has taken a step in limiting an adolescent's exposure to mature media. The store has decided to stop stocking any games or movies with an 18-plus rating (European ratings are a bit different than American ones). While this move will not rid the world of mature material, there is nothing wrong with it. If a seller wants to cater to a market of family-friendly consumers at its own expense, that is perfectly fine. The problem arises when the government tries to control the content sold or the content created.

Konami Corporation, a Japanese game publisher, has announced its plans to release "Six Days in Fallujah." This game is to be based on the Second Battle of Fallujah from the current Iraq War. A public outcry has formed, and many are trying to ban the game even before it is released. Although it may be controversial to make a game based on an ongoing event, it certainly should not merit a punishment. "W." (2008) is a movie about former President George Bush that many say puts a negative spin on him. It too was released at a critical time - when former President Bush was still in office. Creating controversial media is allowed through the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The government took the right course of action by forfeiting any action. Konami should be allowed to produce the game without any intervention.

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