Alright, so a couple weeks ago you all got to hear me talk about RPGs with Garth and Graeme. If you haven’t listened to it by now, you really should. How could you miss my shocking confessions and “ploughing” references? This time, you get to hear me say things that made the Xbox guys blush.
You can go on over to Soundcloud or just press play on the pretty sound wave. You even get to hear Garth sing:
Who do you think is ultimately responsible for ensuring kids don’t play games outside their age rating? Is it up to the parents, do retailers need to take responsibility? Why do we even have this discussion when the same system is in place for movies and other entertainment? Also, what are your perceptions of gamers? Do you secretly agree with the stereotypes – I know that I defend the fact that there are a whole bunch of gamers across age, race and gender divides, yet I still think of most gamers as male aged 16-35.
So, we’re hoping to do our first podcast this week. Any questions you’d like us to answer? Anything you want us to chat about so you can hear our awesome and varied opinions?
Last Updated: December 2, 2013
Brian Murphy
December 2, 2013 at 17:15
“Who do you think is ultimately responsible for ensuring kids don’t play games outside their age rating?”
That would be their parents, and retailers already have some responsibility, they card individuals who are suspected of being under the age rating. That’s as far as they should have to go. Best Buy or Gamestop or whatever other retailer, cannot ensure that the individual standing in front of them with a game and money, aren’t just buying it for a younger friend, sibling, or someone who just asked them in the store.
If parents really cared, they’d be more active in their child’s lives. They’d investigate these titles as the child brings them in the house, when they decide to buy them etc…
These games aren’t cheap, and nobody’s forcing it on anyone. But that doesn’t stop shitty parents from trying to force the task of policing their children’s behavior on the rest of us. The PMRC tried that crap with music, and it’s not going to work here.
HvR
December 2, 2013 at 17:38
Everything I wanted to say. Except maybe add that non-gaming parents just need a info to make the decision and that is what the ratings info is for.
I think gaming rating system is probably the best of all the media with more age ranges and very accurate description of the restriction reasons.
Brian Murphy
December 2, 2013 at 17:49
Yeah, during the PMRC hearings, ratings weren’t enough either. They wanted more as they always do. Basically, they envision a system where everyone else has to do as much work as humanly possible to give any passerby a full complete picture of the entire 100+ hour experience (In GTA Terms) in a few seconds of observing the cover.
I even object in some ways to ratings, even in children’s games or cartoons, there’ve been some that had entirely grown up jokes, quotes or references (Animaniacs for example) crossed with dry humor that kids just wouldn’t understand or are made too quick for them to notice. So, ratings will always be subjective. The only real way any parent will know if the material their children has, or wants is acceptable to them is experience it themselves. Then they have to decide whether it’s something they want to censor them from, or have them experience and make the decision for themselves.
HvR
December 2, 2013 at 17:54
Somewhere you have to draw a line and take responsibility (I’m talking as a parent). If they want more control and censorship they should move to North Korea or China.
These days every parent of child with a PC or console has a smartphone and use google and youtube to literally get millions of unbiased opinions and sources of the content of anything.
So any parent with the “I didn’t know excuse” should get a PK with bricked PS3 or Xbox360.
I think most things are already over censored and controlled.
Brian Murphy
December 2, 2013 at 17:56
Yeah, I don’t think it’s ever been easier as a parent to at least monitor the games/music etc… your kid is listening to/watching. It may get trickier as they become more tech savvy, but that SHOULD encourage you to become more tech savvy yourself. In the very least, there’s always the internet to help you.
Weanerdog
December 2, 2013 at 17:33
“Who do you think is ultimately responsible for ensuring kids don’t play games outside their age rating?” Parents has to be.
RyseandRepeat
December 2, 2013 at 17:46
Getting a new laptop tomorrow Zoe just to listen to you! #stalkercreepyguy
HvR
December 2, 2013 at 18:03
*#gingercreepyguy
there fixed it.
or rather * #stalkergingerguy since creepy is then implied
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 2, 2013 at 19:05
You could have just left it at #ginger – the rest is implied 😉
oVg
December 3, 2013 at 09:36
I think you need a new mattress. Next time tell the wookie not to jump on the bed.