Video game companies are finally getting their act together. For years companies have been putting anything that sells into video games. That means games have been getting super violent rather than having a good story and cool action.
With the recent outbreaks of violence among kidz, the Government has been putting pressure on game companies to follow the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) ratings. The city of Indianapolis led the way against violent games a while ago when they tried to put some serious laws in place. That never went all the way through but it was the start of some serious government action. "I know this stuff sells, but that doesn't make it right," said former president Bill Clinton at a White House event.
Here's how the ESRB rates games:
Early Childhood
Everyone - These games are for ages 6 and up. Lots of Nintendo games, sports games, console stuff and racing games fit in here. Check out Banjo-Tooie or NHL 2001 for some "everyone" rated games.
Teen - For kidz ages 13 and up. Teen games get a bit violent. Fighting, action and games with realistic characters end up here. Games like Jet Grind Radio and Skies of Arcadia are "teen" rated games.
Mature
Adults Only
In the US, K-Mart and Wal-Mart stores are requiring ID to buy Mature rated games. Canada is also plannning to ID young gamers. Looks like pretty soon companies won't be able to pump their games full of gore and bikinis to sell them. If they can't sell Quake to 5 year-olds, it's gonna mean more games that are fun because they're GOOD, not because they're violent. You can expect smarter characters, better stories and even cooler action.
Less gore and more fun. What do you think? Do you like it? Do you hate it? Should the government go suck eggs? Drop us a line and let us know .
