NY State Legislators Get Behind ESRB Ratings Widget

April 8, 2008
Last week GamePolitics reported on the ESRB's new ratings widget, which can be used to quickly check the content of any commercially-published video game (you can try the widget in GP's sidebar).

Yesterday in Albany a pair of New York legislators and the head of the New York State PTA joined ESRB president Patricia Vance to make an official announcement of the widget. The news comes by way of an ESRB press release.

State Sen. Stephen Saland (R, seen at left with Vance), State Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari (D) and state PTA President Maria DeWald expressed support for the ESRB's efforts. Sen. Saland said:
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.
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Comments

Submitted by NY State Legislators Get Behind ESRB Ratings Widget (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 08:07.
[...] wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptLast week GamePolitics reported on the ESRB’s new ratings widget, which can be used to quickly check the content of any commercially-published video game (you can try the widget in GP’s sidebar). Yesterday in Albany a pair of New York legislators and the head of the New York State PTA joined ESRB president Patricia Vance to make an official announcement of the widget. The news comes by way of an ESRB press release. State Sen. Stephen Saland (R, seen at left), State Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari (D) and state PTA President Maria DeWald expressed support for the ESRB’s efforts. Sen. Saland said: 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 […] [...]

Submitted by Altair (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 08:57.
Finaly, a politician with something positive to say about the ESRB publicaly. By the way, first-first post. WOOT! Why is it that nobody has any comments when something good happens? =/

Submitted by Altair (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 08:58.
I meant first comment that matters.

Submitted by Belgarion89 (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 09:24.
Excellent! Good to see a politician recognize that it is first and foremost the parent's responsibility to monitor the kids, not the Nanny State.

Submitted by Vake Xeacons (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 09:43.
I'll drink to that!

Finally, a politician with brains! Score one for us, and another boot to JT's butt!

Submitted by KayleL (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 09:59.
If more awareness of the ESRB rating system makes politicians happy, I am full out for that. I guess the gaming industry could do some things that would satisfy everyone, such as have the ESRB rate more exposed on the games website, and include why it got that rating.

Submitted by axia777 (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 11:16.
Wow. Politicians with common sense. That is amazing in this day and age. Someone who thinks that it is the parents and not the video games industry that should raise the children. Props to the NY State Legislators.

Submitted by Zastil (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 17:40.
@ Altair

Because so many of us are used of defending video games from political attacks that when a politician actually does something positive towards video games, we're left utterly speechless.

Submitted by Clever (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 18:12.
I find it somewhat ironic that it's considered "news-worthy" (and indeed it is) when a politician makes a sound decision. Have we become so used to the "ESRB is ineffective and our children are being pandered to by corrupt video game lobbyists" angle?

Submitted by Ragnaar (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 19:12.
Awareness of the ESRB and the ratings is a great thing. I know the ESRB should go further and have TV ads... and perhaps some ads from other sources (independent or console makers) explaining parental controls on consoles. Those would go a long way to mollifying the smart politicians. Anybody who still thinks games should be banned should be summarily shot... erm... I mean educated.

Submitted by Firebird (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 19:14.
I guess if everyone were to agree on something, the world would be very VERY boring place.

Its always the hypocrits, sluts, corrupt politicians, religious nuts and insane people that we come to discuss on....

and with that, kudos to the new age legislature (and hope for more competent ones)

Submitted by Elalonna (not verified) on Tue, 04/08/2008 - 21:31.
@Altair

Because this is how we react: Minimal intelligence and common sense? *blink* Huh? *blink* That's...different...
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