As you all probably know, following the whole Manhunt 2 thing, noted psychologist in the country Dr. Tanya Byron was knee-deep in an investigation into the effects of games and internet media on children in the UK. Her verdict? The BBFC should have a bigger role in rating games (right now, they only intervene on games flagged with violent, sexual and criminal content).Her solution involves a new 12+ classification, as well as the BBFC handling just about all duties involving rating games. But, as anticipated, she's also endorsed the PEGI system, as well. She hopes that the PEGI ratings can go on the back of the game's box, with the BBFC classification being displayed on the front.
This is all just the tip of the iceberg, however. Her report has lots more interesting information, so for the rest, head on over to Game Politics.
[Via Joystiq]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-27-2008 @ 1:25PM
Dan said...
Ratings are important, and should be the emphasis in this effort to demonize games. We don't censor -- we give parents the information to make decisions, and leave it at that.
Unfortunately, ignoring the anger at video games is not sound strategy. As much as I think the anger is totally unfounded.
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3-27-2008 @ 1:28PM
Chris said...
I am truly surprised that a bureaucrat's solution to a problem is more bureaucracy.
Government planners, technocrats, and social engineers have the answers to your problems. Put your faith in them and you shall be witness to nirvana, utopia, and, indeed, Heaven on Earth.*
*Only applicable if your vision of nirvana, utopia, and Heaven on Earth matches that of your government.
/sarcasm
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3-28-2008 @ 3:40AM
hvnlysoldr said...
"Prez Bill Clinton there's way too many committees."
"I have formed a committee that says we have too many committees and will need further committees to solve it."
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3-29-2008 @ 3:08PM
Leospark said...
Why would anyone want to play Manhunt anyway? How the hell would a damn kid get a hold of that crap? Here's a better question, WHY would ANYONE SIT AROUND DEVELOPING THESE SICK "GAMES" IN THE FIRST PLACE!?
So murder, drug dealing, rape, [insert long list of bullshit] is a "game"? "Better virtual than real"! Can Rockstar do anything else besides GTA and Manhunt? I think the guys leading these projects need some serious help, b/c these games are absolutely sickening.
Seriously people, we need to re-evaluate what a "game" is. You make a "game" out of this shit and it'll screw you in the head. I know that pressing a button is different than actually doing it, but OMFG why would you want to do it?!?!
I cannot stress enough how sick this really is. I hate the GTA series, I hate Manhunt, and I will hate whatever shit Rockstar plans to put out in the future. Those guys either need to get some serious help or go kill themselves.
I wish people would just quit giving Rockstar so much attention, it makes me sick why anyone would want to play their bullshit.
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3-29-2008 @ 3:10PM
Dr. Andy said...
I'm guessing she's not as high up as people think, I'm a psychologist myself and I've never heard of her.
In any case, the shops will continue to sell these games to kids, whatever rating they stick on the box. And frankly, if they didn't, i'd of never played half the awesome games I did as a kid.
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