New ESRB Widget Receives NY State backing
By Shawn on Tuesday, April 8th, 2008 at 5:56 PM PST In Gamer Life, Games Industry, Videos
The ESRB is working hard to show the world that the games industry is actively regulating itself. Last week they introduced a new ratings widget that will enable consumers to have instant access to ratings and other information on any video game.
New York legislators State Sen. Stephen Saland (R, seen at left with Vance), State Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari (D) and the head of the New York State PTA President Maria DeWald joined ESRB president Patricia Vance in a show of support for the ESRB’s effort:
As Chairman of the Senate Education Committee, one of my top priorities is to empower parents, grandparents and caregivers with the resources they need to make informed choices when it comes to the well-being of the children they care for. It’s important parents know what kinds of video games their children play as well as the music, TV and movies they enjoy.
GP notes that Saland has added the widget to his Senate website. Assembly Majority Leader Canestrari added:
Becoming familiar with the ESRB rating system and using this new widget is a great way for parents and consumers to get the information they need. I’m happy to lend a hand in the effort to raise public awareness and I applaud the ESRB for taking the lead by providing this new tool that gives parents fast, easy and free access to video game ratings and content.
It’s good to see politicians from NY giving the games industry positive press and acknowledging that they are making every effort to inform and educate the public on video games. I really don’t think there is anyone who wants children buying inappropriately rated games. Adult education aimed at parents and well meaning relatives is the way to go.
via GamePolitics
Who do they expect to play it though
“In the game, the players have to find and help a friend who has been drinking and whose condition is constantly deteriorating. Game players will have to provide fluids and food to a drunk friend and either take them home or to hospital, avoiding obstacles including youth gangs along the way. They will also have to answer various questions related to alcohol misuse and can use links to useful websites to find relevant information.”
Where in any of that would ANYONE be entertained. It might actually more fun to see your “friend” get killed by “youth gangs.”
Unless they make it a part of a school curriculum or something.