New York goes insane, Felony to sell M-rated games to minors Options

[Spectatrix]

http://gamepolitics.com/2007/05/30/another...rs-into-felons/
http://inventorspot.com/felonytosellgames
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A08696&sh=t

Long story short: On May 30th, New York politicians proposed a bill that would make it a felony for retailers to sell games including "depraved violence and indecent images" (i.e. most M-rated games, possibly some T-rated ones too?) to folks under age 17. It would be a class E felony, which means 1-4 years in prison.

On May 31st, it passed in the New York Assembly 130 to 10. I'm not sure by what margin the corresponding legislation in the state senate passed by earlier in the month. The bill has passed and all that remains is for it to be signed into law by New York's governor.

Is it just me or is this MAJOR overkill? I'll admit that I disagree with putting legal age restrictions on the sale of games and movies in general, but I can see why people would support such legislation. However, anything more than a misdemeanor for such a "crime" is asinine.

[cupcake]

I see...yeah I was confused by that post.

I still say if there is live porn, why can't there be a porn game? there's porn in print, in e-internets, on video, via phone...all the game is is another medium?

the logic baffles me. it's like they think of movies for everyone regardless of age, but interactive consoles are just for kids...which is retarded.

[JRockTTU]

I see...yeah I was confused by that post.

I still say if there is live porn, why can't there be a porn game? there's porn in print, in e-internets, on video, via phone...all the game is is another medium?

the logic baffles me. it's like they think of movies for everyone regardless of age, but interactive consoles are just for kids...which is retarded.

I think it's mostly because of production costs. Video games cost A LOT of money to produce on the newer systems (if you're talking about anything up to and newer than PS2/XBOX) and then if you want to make it good or "realistic" you're going to have to pay for some top notch production value. Then, since it will get a M or (more likely) an Adults Only rating it wouldn't be carried by any top retailers (wal mart, best buy, circuit city). I just don't think it would be a profitable venture for these companies that are making a ton off of their current media.

Plus, you have to hold the controller with TWO hands.