ID-check for buying games!

Havoc · #1 05-08-2008, 02:07 AM

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WASHINGTON- Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE) and Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) will hold a news conference on Wednesday to discuss the introduction of their bipartisan bill requiring retailers to check identification in order to keep inappropriate video games from being sold to children.

“The images and themes in some video games are shocking and troublesome. In some games high scores are often earned by players who commit “virtual” murder, assault and rape. Many young children are walking into stores and are able to buy or rent these games without their parents even knowing about it. Many retailers have tried to develop voluntary policies to make sure mature games do not end up in the hands of young kids, but we need to do more to protect our children. This bill requires an ID check before certain games are sold to an individual. This ensures that children can only access age appropriate content without parental permission. Families and children everywhere deserve the protection this legislation will provide,” said Congressman Lee Terry.

The Video Games Ratings Enforcement Act would require all retailers to check identification for any children trying to buy or rent M-rated (Mature) or AO-rated (Adult Only) games. It also requires that ratings system explanations be posted in stores so that parents can make the best decisions for their family about which games children can purchase or rent. The Federal Trade Commission would enforce a capped $5,000 civil penalty for violation of retailers.

The news conference will be Wednesday, May 7th at 2:20pm EDT in HC-9.

Bout time someone got smart about this issue. Some games are rated 17+ or 18+, why people don't check ID's in the first place is beyond me. You check for alcohol and guns, but not for other products that have age limits. Doesn't make any sense.
I hope this law comes to pass, would cause a lot of bullshit to stop. In fact, they should make ID checking mandatory for all games above 16. Dunno how they are going to check age in online stores but at least it's a start.

mudling · #2 05-08-2008, 04:49 AM

Well in Australia we semi had it, since the min age is 15+ for the worst video games, you could pretty much tell, if not, then you get asked on ID (Which most often, people under 16 don't carry it around with them).
But I agree, it is a good policy, will at least let the blame levels go down alot.
I'm sure forcing people to carry around their driver's liscence or at least student card won't be too hard, everybody else manages to carry around identification.
Biggest problem is that there is alot more negative stigma against older people supplying beer/ drugs/ etc. to younger teenagers, but they don't seem to see the suverity of the problem, and it's effects it can have on those under age.
As you said, it's only a start.

Havoc · #3 05-08-2008, 11:25 AM

Here in Holland we're obligated by law to carry identification. I always have my drivers license on me, although it helps that most ID's around here (except passports) are the size of a creditcard so you can just keep it in your wallet.

Leto · #4 05-08-2008, 01:08 PM

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Well in Australia we semi had it, since the min age is 15+ for the worst video games, you could pretty much tell, if not, then you get asked on ID (Which most often, people under 16 don't carry it around with them).

Yeah same in new zealand. You would only get ID'd for R16 or R18 games though.

Anonyman! · #5 05-08-2008, 01:39 PM

Hur der hur I dunneed to get checked cause I has all my pubic hair and stuff.

OANST · #6 05-08-2008, 04:01 PM

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Here in Holland we're obligated by law to carry identification. I always have my drivers license on me, although it helps that most ID's around here (except passports) are the size of a creditcard so you can just keep it in your wallet.

I'm one of the people who have the new i.d. tattoo. Our government has pushed through a mandate (probably terrorism related) that forces citizens to get a small bar code put on their hand. This code has your birth date, social security number, and criminal history on it. I say it's about time. Our old i.d. cards were too gaudy and obnoxious. Plus, the government is now officially giving the o.k. for tattoos. How awesome is that? Huh? Huh? Totally awesome? That's right. Totally fucking awesome.

***Nate*** · #7 05-08-2008, 06:12 PM

Yeah, but I have a friend who was mugged and had his arm ripped off with a machete. Now he's an amputee and the other guy is getting rich off stealing his identity.

Plus, some people say that government mandated identification tattoos are the work of the Antichrist. Which just makes them awesome

mitsur · #8 05-09-2008, 04:48 AM

Eh, I don't really mind. My Mom kills me if I get an M rated game without her knowing anyway. And I'll have an ID in about 2-3 months, so even then it's no big deal.

Jack Thompson should be happy.

OANST · #9 05-09-2008, 02:03 PM

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Yeah, but I have a friend who was mugged and had his arm ripped off with a machete. Now he's an amputee and the other guy is getting rich off stealing his identity.

Plus, some people say that government mandated identification tattoos are the work of the Antichrist. Which just makes them awesome

I was wondering why I had to fill out out three forms in triplicate when I got it. Now it all makes sense. Also, I thought the naked virgin on the alter drenched in goat blood was a bit of a strange image to use for an i.d.

Disgruntled Intern · #10 05-14-2008, 08:23 AM

When I worked at GameStop we had to check the age of anyone buying an M rated game.

Salamander · #11 05-14-2008, 09:01 PM

$5000 dollar fine? That seems a little excessive to me.

I partially disagree with this, I'm more of a 'Mental age > Physical age' person.

***Nate*** · #12 05-14-2008, 09:48 PM

But how do you judge mental age?

Disgruntled Intern · #13 05-14-2008, 11:15 PM

If Salamander had his way all children hoping to buy an M rated game would have to pass a series of tests.

Luckily, no one really cares what Sally wants.

Besides, having to have a parent present during the sale of an M rated game to a minor is good enough. Most employees will tell the parent why the game has earned the rating, and let them decide.

***Nate*** · #14 05-15-2008, 12:01 AM

Which is an excellent thing, as the parents will thus lose all right to complain about the negative influence games are having over their children.

Or possibly decide to buy Barbie Horse Adventures instead.

Strike Witch · #15 05-15-2008, 12:21 AM

Hello-Kitty Island Adventure.

skillyaslig · #16 05-15-2008, 02:28 AM

Well, I play violent games, though I got my mum to buy them because I need 'mummy or daddy' to get it. I couldn't believe it when that damn cashier said that to me. I was like 'what am I, six?' (not to their face, though. I just raged inside) so some people do obey common-sense. But most don't.

***Nate*** · #17 05-15-2008, 02:37 AM

So... skillyaslig. Are you saying that the cashiers obey common sense and your mother doesn't?

Havoc · #18 05-15-2008, 03:36 AM

Lol owned.

mudling · #19 05-16-2008, 01:30 PM

Well he wouldn't be alone.
The Yo Mama jokes over here are self inflicted.

Salamander · #20 05-16-2008, 03:41 PM

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But how do you judge mental age?

You really can't on a one-contact basis, which is why I said I am partially against it.

Bullet Magnet · #21 05-16-2008, 04:09 PM

Childhood innocence has a shelf life of about five years these days.