FCC considering universal game ratings, ESA unimpressed


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According to a Bloomberg report, the FCC will soon begin looking into the development of a universal rating system that would span television, games and mobile phone content. Unsurprisingly, the move comes in response to a Congressional call to see whether inappropriate content is harming children and if the current laws are adequate to protect them.
The Entertainment Software Association, according to the report, has previously stated that the FCC has no jurisdiction over video games. In a statement given to GameSpot, ESA senior vice president for communications and industry affairs Rich Taylor stated that the current ESRB rating system is "considered by parents, family advocates, the Federal Trade Commission, and elected officials as the gold standard in providing caregivers with the information they need to make the right choices for their families." He added further that a new universal system would "confuse consumers, violate the Constitution's first amendment, and are a solution in search of a problem."
We might also add that television, video games and mobile phone content are -- with few exceptions -- different forms of media. After all, it doesn't really make sense to use the same scale to judge both Batman: Arkham Asylum and your "Yakety Sax" ringtone. Or does it?

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"FCC considering universal game ratings, ESA unimpressed" :: Login/Create an Account :: 6 comments

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GreenbirdPosted:

It won't happen. I think people hate change and this is a HUGE change

TTG_Taco_xPosted:

hmmm so i might be watching a movie and playing a game and listening to music all rated the same wat and using one letter....FAIL, i dont think it will work

mrmacgeePosted:

As the GameSpot Senior Vice President said "...gold standard..." it really is the gold standard for video game rating and it shouldn't be changed. I have never been violent after playing a game or while playing a game. I get mad, but not violent. The content in game is perfectly fine the way it is and it shouldn't be changed that Teen games are now Mature games. That is what it sounds like they are trying to do with this move here.

SeanPosted:

@Killjoy thats a good point its up to the parents really the ages dont mean much because of a kid cant buy the game they will just get someone else to buy it what they need to do is create a blocker on xbox live so kids cant play 18 games because the so called blocker they have now is a fail

TTG_KillJoyPosted:

why do they even care so much? in the end everything is up to the parents and a little letter on the side has little to no influence on there desicions

TTGxSNAKExPosted:

i cant see it happaning