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US Governor speaks out ‘FOR’ videogames

January 21, 2008 in News comments 8

A refreshing surprise for videogame fans today, following news that a pro-actice politician in the US is actually speaking out to improve parental awareness in videogames - in a positive sense. What a shocker!

Democratic Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell, is joining with the ESRB to promote its software ratings system via public service announcements.

Game Politics reports that Governor Ed Rendell (Democrat) has stepped forward in an attempt to more directly focus parental attention towards the ESRB’s ratings system, which is helpfully emblazoned on the packaging of all published videogame software.

"Game ratings developed by the [ESRB] offer an effective and informative tool to help parents to decide if a certain video game is appropriate," outlines Rendell’s official release. "When ratings are used in conjunction with parental controls that are available on newer game systems, parents are able to make sure that their children are playing only games they deem suitable."
mistermostyn via gaming.monstersandcritics.com »
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  • 3
    Play ISDF Jan 21, 08
    It's about time someone other than gamers or the industry noticed the freakin ratings on games. Great to hear there are some smart people in politics who know that and who aren't on a holy crusade against games.
  • 0
    redneonfish Jan 21, 08
    Nice guy, but tbh, the age ratings hardly mean anything on a game do they?
  • 2
    Guticb Jan 21, 08
    Whoah, a smart politician?

    Did I say that? Whoops!
  • 0
    Seeker X Jan 21, 08
    What? A middle aged politician is defending a "notorious" past time? Well his message is already a known fact, it's just embarassing that society needs a governor to tell them how important ratings are...
  • 0
    black doom Jan 21, 08
    About time that people started to treat games like books and movies. This is very good for the industry, gives it some space to breath. Up until now it has always felt like the rest of us had to hold our breath when Rockstar made an announcement as we awaited Jack Thompson's response.
  • 0
    tallteen86 Jan 21, 08
    I'd have figured someone younger would be doing this....

    But it is about time some politician had enough common sense to know that it only takes the simple ability to READ, or at least understand a few symbols (E, T, M, etc) to know the age rating of something...It is common sense...the ESRB is basically the game equivilent of movie ratings >_>

    People can know R = bad for kids....but no realise M (mature) doesn't? Sure, movies are more mainstream, but it doesn't take THAT long to figure out what E, T, and M are for...just read the danged description on the box for more details >_>

    Idiot parents and politicians like to use an easy target to blame, to defer responsibilities...

    In reality, and in my opinion (at least that much), if you EVER hear some moron blaming video games for stuff, just tell them it is an epitome of laziness to NOT take the 2 seconds it takes to READ the damned box, to find out if a game is suitable for children and whatnot >_<

    I'm a lazy bastard, but even I could be bothered if it was my children (no, I don't have any)...it is just lax parenting that allows children to get their hands on these things....Fine, if they borrow it from friends, well, that is where parental controls come in >_>
  • 0
    m xdogz Jan 22, 08
    That'll be a nice thing to do. He seems to care for the kids.
  • 1
    lord of vice city Jan 22, 08
    finally, a politician who knows whats going on, and whos at fault

    thompson gonna have a field day with this guy

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