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New York Governor Signs Game Bill Into Law
New York Gov. David Paterson has signed into law a new package of bills, many of which are focused on public safety and protecting the rights of the State’s residents, including one that will ensure that the State explores the negative effects of violent videogames.
The videogame legislation, which will come into force in 2010, will also require parental controls to be included on all new consoles and strengthen game rating enforcement, reports Kotaku.
“We have the obligation to be constantly vigilant about amending our laws to protect the residents of New York State,” said Governor Paterson.
“Many of these bills will do just that by closing loopholes or creating new laws to enhance the quality of life for all New Yorkers.”
@ DHX: It's never for the well being of the children, it's for the well being of the grandstanding politicians who spout that line as though it's irreproachable.
This is nonsense. A multitude of studies, both private and academic, have shown NO CAUSAL LINK. Games do not hurt children, as court, after court, after court has determined.
They're not restricting sales, so I doubt this result in the ire of the Supreme Court, but it should result in the ire of New York taxpayers, since this allocates much needed money to research something about which we already have conclusions.
you know this man is leagally blind.
I would agree with this bill if the ESRB accurately rated games.
I'm 16 years old and they're telling me that I'm too young to play Halo? It's practically a cartoon!
I don't have to worry about buying games because I'm 6'6 and have a beard. On two occasions my friends needed my help to buy a game ,but they shouldn't have to do that.
A brilliant step in the right direction. Here here! Let's hope more state and federal governments follow this example. I know it's controversial, but I have always seen no real danger in allowing the government to somewhat regulate the industry if it's for the well being of children! Many in the industry will cry foul as loud as they can when prompted with the thought of government intervention, yet no one can yet give a valid reason of why it's such a bad thing.