US Representatives Joe Baca (D-CA) and Frank Wolf (R-VA) have reintroduced a bill that would require violent games to bear the label: “WARNING: Exposure to violent video games has been linked to aggressive behavior.”
This marks the third time that the duo has attempted to pass the Violence in Video Games Labeling Act. Previous attempts in 2009 and 2011 fell short.
Baca emphasized the need for responsibility on the part of the videogame industry while discussing the proposed bill.
“The video game industry has a responsibility to parents, families and to consumers — to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products,” he said. “They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility.”
Wolf also spoke on the matter, drawing parallels to the tobacco industry.
“Just as we warn smokers of the health consequences of tobacco, we should warn parents — and children — about the growing scientific evidence demonstrating a relationship between violent video games and violent behavior,” he explained. “As a parent and grandparent, I think it is important people know everything they can about the extremely violent nature of some of these games.”
If passed, nearly all games rated by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) would be eligible for the label. That includes titles rated “E” for everyone and “E10+” for everyone 10 and older. The only exempt games would be those rated “EC” for early childhood.
[The Hill]
There is absolutely not point for this. We have the ESRB that already warns parents about violent content. This stupid bill needs to just go away for good.