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Games harmful to your health, the sticker says so!

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Chewbacca

In yet another case of bureaucracy pointing fingers in the wrong direction, Californian congressman Joe Baca has proposed legislation that would label videogames as being bad for one’s health. All games with an ESRB rating of T (Teen) or higher would be forced to carry a label stating that “WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behaviour.”

According to Baca, “The video game industry has a responsibility to parents, families, and to consumers – to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products.”

Citing several studies that point to a neurological link between violent games and aggressive behaviour, Baca continues that …”research continues to show a proven link between playing violent games and increased aggression in young people.  American families deserve to know the truth about these potentially dangerous products.”

Having read a few reports from both sides of the fence, I’ve yet to come across anything that gives irrefutable proof of this link. Considering I’ve been playing video games – many of which were ridiculously violent – for over two decades and have yet to maim anything, I’m calling this link a bunch of hooey.

While I’m still convinced that it’s up to parents to do the…y’know…parenting, I’m all for this legislation if it’ll keep nutcases like Jack Thompson from suing anything with the word “game” in it.

Last Updated: January 13, 2009

13 Comments

  1. Roland Browning

    January 13, 2009 at 14:37

    Video gaming does make people more aggressive….and if anyone disagrees with me I’ll shoot them in the face!

    Reply

  2. Werner

    January 13, 2009 at 14:40

    *sigh*

    Reply

  3. spl0it

    January 13, 2009 at 14:56

    A label like that will just increase the game’s sales.
    Its like that old warning on Hip-Hop CD’s.

    Reply

  4. easy

    January 13, 2009 at 15:18

    and yet the warning on american boxes of cigarettes are easily missed compared to uk or sa

    Reply

  5. Goose ZA

    January 13, 2009 at 15:57

    It’s a shame Chewy had to be dragged into this…. Don’t worry my wooky friend, we know you have nothing to do with it…

    Reply

  6. MaxiViper

    January 13, 2009 at 18:16

    I too have played ridiculously violent games and I can assure your there’s no side affects of aggressive behavior here.

    Reply

  7. MaxiViper

    January 13, 2009 at 18:17

    Sounds like you’ve never played ridiculously in your life.

    Reply

  8. Wolfy

    January 14, 2009 at 14:35

    true true

    Reply

  9. Wolfy

    January 14, 2009 at 14:36

    and you say that with a straight face aswel… damn your good

    Reply

  10. Maxiviper

    January 14, 2009 at 15:31

    I’m dead serious, about not be affected by the violent games and I have also played some ((Horrifically)) violent games and I ain’t bursting out in a rage. Honest to God.

    Reply

  11. Maxiviper

    January 14, 2009 at 15:32

    8)

    Reply

  12. Wolfy

    January 14, 2009 at 15:38

    I am fine too … Despite me developing ratsyndrome in the process while playing Ninja Gaiden 2….NIPPLE BITER!!!!

    hehe 😛

    Reply

  13. lliam

    September 11, 2009 at 00:01

    :alien: :angel: :angry: :angry: :angry: :angry:

    Reply

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