Ah-Nuld Signs Bill AB 1179

The Governator of California has scribbled his name on a piece of legislation that will make it illegal to sell or rent violent or sexual videogames to minors. Punishable by fines of up to $1000, providing underagers with access to these games is now a crime in a state that holds a large chunk of gaming market share. Games with violent or sexual content must also be appropriately labelled with 18+ stickers.

Says the man himself:

“Today I signed legislation to ensure parent involvement in determining which video games are appropriate for their children. The bill I signed will require that violent video games be clearly labeled and not be sold to children under 18 years old. Many of these games are made for adults and choosing games that are appropriate for kids should be a decision made by their parents. I also signed into law legislation that will improve foster care services, guard kids from the dangers of steroid use, protect children and everyone from accidental fires by requiring cigarette manufacturers to change the way they make their products, improve the adoption process in California and save babies from neglect and abuse. It is very important to continue putting our children first and doing everything we can to protect their well-being.”

Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but this legislation was put into play by a man whose filmography reads like a “How To” book of violent behaviour. Conan? The Terminator? Predator? The Running Man? Are these ringing a bell Arnold?

As might be expected, the ESA is righteously peeved about this and plans to challenge the legislation and have it overturned. Citing violations of the First Amendment and of creative expression, ESA top man Doug Lowenstein is “confident that [they] will prevail”. The Video Software Developers Association has also got its hackles up, so watch for fireworks over California in the near future.

(source)