Federal bill would regulate video game sales to kids

Variety's DC reporter Bill Triplett has a story on the latest attempt to turn the ESRB ratings system into law.

Reps. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) and Jim Matheson (D-Utah) (thus making the bill bi-partisan) today introduced the" Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act," which requires ID checks for M or AO-rated games.

Most major retailers already have ID policies, of course, but the industry is understandably wary about making it a crime if one of their employees doesn't perform the check. According to Bill's story, the penalty is a $5,000 fine.

As I often do, I feel like it's worth noting that the Federal Trade Commission reported last year that it's tougher for kids to buy an M-rated game than an R-rated DVD. Though I suppose you could argue that M-rated games are worse for them.

Anyway, as Bill notes, similar bills passed by numerous states have been struck down by the courts, so if this one ever manages to become a law, its chances of staying one don't seem too good.

Get all the details right here.

Comments

[Nightwolf]

Now there is a problem to kids and they should fight for games...