Last week GamePolitics reported on legislation proposed by Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA, seen at left). Baca's bill, H.R. 231, would require video games rated T (13+) and higher to carry a cigarette-like warning label that would read:
WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior.
In response, the Entertainment Consumers Association has launched an action campaign to oppose Baca's bill:
Congress is simply misinformed on this issue. The vast majority of studies show that there is no proven causal link between violent media of any type and aggressive behavior. Several studies suggest that playing video games can be helpful to young people... Further, the bill requires the label even for games that are not rated T or above for violence, which could confuse parents and undermine the ESRB, which according to the FTC is the most enforced media retail system.
HR 231 is an unconstitutional restraint on speech that will harm consumers and parents alike. Please join with the ECA, and let your representatives know that you want them to let the industry and parents continue with a system that works, and have Congress stay focused on the real problems facing our nation.
The campaign site has a suggested letter which users can edit and automatically forward to their congressional representatives.
Rep. Baca, by the way, was recently named one of the Ten Worst Members of Congress by Esquire magazine.
FULL DISCLOSURE DEPT: The ECA is the parent company of GamePolitics.
Comments
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
I doubt Baca has ever played a game or knows anyone within the gaming community. He is basing his bill on myths and speculation. Millions of people play violent games and are perfectly sane nice people. There is no difference between playing a violent game and watching a violent movie so you would have to give movies warning signs as well… how do these idiots end of being congressmen?
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Why the hell is this not on violent movies before video games?
Movies are much more graphic than most games I've seen. Though to be fair I tend to avoid all horror genre games.
The gaming industry has an idiot problem with its members, that's a fact. It also has an idiot problem with the execs coming out of business school and not having a clue on how to treat customers, or manage money.
Why don't we legislate the brand of terrorism that a certain ex-attorney uses? I get the feeling a lot of developers are making hugely violent games for a "See, it DOESN'T cause violence" point, and it's ruining a really cool industry.
The sales are with the games without extreme violence. The sims 1 base game sold 28 million copies. That's NOT counting the xpac. To my knowledge, that's still a tad more than the total number of xbox 360s sold. Definitely more than PS3s sold.
You could combine the top three games that received a T or above for violence, and the top 3 that didn't receive a T or above for violence would likely have double the sales.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Violent games are ruining the industry? All this time, I thought it was bad games...
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
The game industry was slow in trying to voice a different opinion from Jack's ranting in the late 90s to the growing blame of obesity in society.
They can't afford to let these politicians like this one waste more and more tax payers money on legislation that goes against the 1st Admendment.
Also Videogames do have warning labels on Health already, but it is more about photo sensitive seijures and also mucel aches for playing videogames for too long.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
So, here we go again...
Btw, nice jab with the Esquire referrence. Not sure what that has to do with the topic at hand, but I'll roll with it.
"HEY! LISTEN!"
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Yeah and if I remember correctly Bacca is Japanese for idiot or moron, which this guy surely is.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
!!!I thought someone should mention that the word Baca sounds a lot like бяка(russian) which translates to BAD THING!!!
So it is no surprise that Mr. BAD THING is one of the 10 worst congressman alive or that he is trying to take a crap on the first amendment...
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
I'm sure others would point out that Baca also sounds alot like the Japanese word ばか (baka) which means IDIOT.
So that's Mr. Idiot, or Baka-san. =D
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
so that means we can call Joe Baca, Joe Idiot or even his [incoming Wookie joke] wookie Name Joebacca[sarcasm]
America has just became its own version of the Jerry Springer Show after a bizarre moment in Florida involving a carnival worker.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Three words.
ABOUT. DAMN. TIME.
Kick some ass, ECA!
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"Game on, brothers and sisters." -Leet Gamer Jargon
"A Chrono Trigger is anything that unleashes its will or desire to change history!" -Gaspar
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Lol
ECABOTS! Transform and ROLLLL OUT.
Go eca. You guys can do this. You got the entire community to support you.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
I should send this guy a thank you note.
I'm getting my ECA chapter started and I was afraid things were going to be too quiet to have much to do.
President,
ECA Sacramento Chapter
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
there's over 10Million gamers and more in the world..how many of them actually kill a person because of games?..aggressive behavior do relate to stress..and well. this guy must be an idiot to not equate Aggressive behavior with something else. games are always the scapegoat. and to think they're gonna make it as bad as cigarette. and soon we people who buy games for the sake of enjoying it is crutinize and be labelled as BAD-AGRESSIVE-PEOPLE. this is sooo wrong. fight on ECA. bring Justice for us Mature Gamers.
Vitality Before Violence
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
What is the ESA doing about it?
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
It's the ESA, what do they always do? NOTHING!
Hunting the shadows of the troubled dreams.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Go ECA!
I dread things like this to pass. Soon it will just be a box that is wrapped in a warning label with a title and an itty-bitty picture of a piss poor screen shot.
Praetorian
"I've been told I'm the resident skeptic, but I wouldn't believe that."
ECA Seattle Chapter
http://www.myspace.com/pree_tawr_ee_uhn
Praetorian
"If you sit by the river long enough, you will see the body of your enemy floating by."
http://www.myspace.com/pree_tawr_ee_uhn
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
It will be interesting to see how this turns out, especially when it's dumb parents that buy their 5 year old M-rated games in the first place.....
Why must it be ruined for the rest of us who are actually old enough to play these games?
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
I feel like I'm going crazy... Like, everything we as gamers and the industry says is being funneled into a vacuum or something.
Why the fuck isn't anyone listening? These are supposed to be reasonable, intelligent people. We may disagree with them, they may be wrong and uninformed, but they're supposed to be rational human beings capable of actually weighing evidence and listening to argument, but nothing that gets said on this issue seems to make an impact on them. It's like using sign-language with a blind person or something.
What the hell is going on?!
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
because before video games it was rock music...
before rock music it was comic books...
before comic books it was TV...
before TV it was movies...
before movies it was radio...
before radio it was drinking...
before drinking it was witchcraft...
what I'm getting at here is that people love to find scapegoats... no matter how many people tell them otherwise
and after video game, anime and manga will be the next scapegoat
True for that. I'm more worried that anime and manga will be the new "video game to be blame". We have a lot of anime haters on youtube who could become the new Jack Thompson. As a matter of fact, I think I recall Jack attacking Japan (and possibly anime/manga). If Jack attack anime/manga next, he may be forgiven by all anime haters on Youtube and even may end up becoming video game haters just because JT attack anime/manga. I know no person would ever side with Jack Thompson, not even a anime haters. But I found one anime hater on Youtube who sided with Jack Thompson, animesuckdick (go after this guy, he support Jack Thompson's view on video game and he's only in his 20's). There could be more anime haters who may side with JT or video game haters who will attack anime/manga. If those anime haters side with Thompson, they may as well accept his crazy, whacky theory about how the armed forces use video game to train their soldiers, and also using anime/manga.
I could imagine JT or anime haters blaming anime/manga for school shooting or violent crimes:
-the next school shooting blame it on the anime, School days
-When a serial killers is on the loose and captured, they will blame Higarushi No Naku Koro Ni (when they cry-Higarushi)
-Caylee Anthony's murder and Jonbenet Ramsey will be blamed on Lolicon anime/hentai.
-they may even go crazy and stupid by saying that the Irish Republican Army were formed because the leader and the founder were watching and training on Code Geass, and Mobile Suit Gundam, and claim that the founder of the IRA was wearing the same clothes and mask as Zero did in Code Geass, and his officier wore clothes resembling Char from Gundam.
That's what I'm worried about, they'll blame anime/manga next and the anime haters may end up forgiving those video game hating politicians if they blame anime for them.
Re: Don't think so
Highly unlikely. Been there, done that. And they failed miserably.
Anime and manga are really no different than cartoons like Looney Tunes, Tom & Jerry, & The Simpsons and comic books like Batman, Spider-Man, Archie comics, etc.
If the youtube user doesn't understand that, then he's retarded.
Geaux Saints, Geaux Tigers, Geaux Hornets, Jack Thompson can geaux chase a chupacabra.
Geaux Saints, Geaux Tigers, Geaux Pelicans. Solidarity for the Saints = No retreat, no surrender. 2013 = Saints' revenge on the NFL. Even through the darkest days, this fire burns always.
Re: and after video game, anime and manga will be the next
It already was targeted (anime and manga), but since it isn't as big as video games it didn't receive the same attention. Pl us I think you're giving these people too much credit, even if they went after anime do you think they'd actually know the plots to series? Just look at video games, they rely on hearsay rather than actually knowing what the games are about. They don't care if it's true, they'll repeat it until it is.
it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
That's why I know that anime haters will do the same thing as Jack Thompson. Say something ridiculous about anime and violent crimes. They may even secretly use JT method to repeat the dumb mantra. I already found one anime hater who sided with Jack Thompson. There will be more anime haters becoming a new JT or even side with him if JT attack anime/manga publicly. The anime haters can make anime/manga end up on the news if they did what JT or video game haters did to video game.
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
Well those people are right... yesterday I watched this anime and then I wanted to go fight people with my giant robot...
Seriously though, anime got here under the cover of video games and since they can't say it is much different than other tv it will likely stay away from most censors eyes...
as for that person that hates anime, ask him how south park is nicer and more child friendly...
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
I don't think you need anime to want to fight people with a giant robot
There have always been motherf*ckers, there will always be motherf*ckers, but what we can't do is let them control our motherf*cking lives. -John Oliver, December 1st, 2008
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
I have another reason why anime haters may side with JT:
-Xbox Live video marketplace and Playstation Network video store sells anime (and soon the Wii video store), this may have give em fuel to think video game is evil because they support anime.
-if JT attack anime/manga, they may reconsidered that JT is not a douschebag to all anime haters, and may petition to put Thompson as a lawyrer and a activist against video game/anime/manga.
-the next Grand Theft Auto is rumored to be set in Tokyo. If Rockstar say it is confirmed, it'll probably upset some anime haters who are fan of GTA. If Rockstar teams up with Capcom to make GTA: Tokyo to be heavily influenced by Japanese culture. Rockstar may considered making GTA: Tokyo a cel shaded anime-style animation. Even the character design may resemble anime characters. This then piss off many anime haters who play GTA and therefore losing faith in Grand Theft Auto and label them enemy of the anime industry. They may turn to Jack Thompson and people who criticize Grand Theft Auto (hey many anime haters who used to be Batman fan hated Batman because it became a anime).
I know it because if you have one anime haters sided with JT, more will. Also, more anime are coming in on video marketplace and PSN video store. This may anger more anime haters to become video game haters.
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
Well, I guess you're right. Guess what I did some research. It turns out that most of our serial Killers were anime fan also. Jack The Rippers, Ted Bundy, BTK Killers, and the Green River Killer were big fan of the anime, Higarushi No Naku Koro Ni. They learned to be serial killers from watching the anime.
Also:
-Warren Jeff learned Polygamy from watching Tenchi Muyo, Love Hina, and Girls Bravo anime.
-George Washington and the rest of the people that formed USA, according to this, Code Geass and Mobile Suit Gundam was the reason why the USA was formed. According to one of the journal that Washington, he said that Zero was his favorite character and he dressed up as Zero and most of his officers and other patriots dressed up as Char from Gundam (Jefferson, Franklin, Adams).
(end sarcasm)
Well, when the scapegoating of video game is done or still going, JT, video game critics, or anime hater may tried to put the blame on anime/manga. I know it because the anime haters want to do that. They may as go as far as forgiving JT and probably giving up video game just to get anime banned. A lot of the anime haters on Youtube may end up becoming JT's successor. That's what I'm worried about, because I met a anime hater on youtube who sided with Jack's view on video game.
"as for that person that hates anime, ask him how south park is nicer and more child friendly..."
Tried that, but they don't give a hoot about it. I guess anime is evil to them like how JT think video game is evil. So I used the Jack Thompson analogy on the haters, it might work better because most of the anime hater are using the same method like how JT and video game haters use on video gamer. Let me show you:
anime hater said: anime fans have no life
Glen Beck, and JT said about video gamers: Video gamers have no life.
See the similarities. The anime haters may use the blame the anime/manga on school shooting, violent crimes. If JT attack anime next, then the anime haters may forgive JT and burn their console just to join JT's view on anime/manga/video game just so they can ban anime/manga.
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
I also remember a(Now suspended :P) anime hater by the name of j0sejuanpedrosmithh.
He was EASILY one of the stupidest assholes on the face of the earth.
And his logic was exactly like JT's(I wouldn't doubt it if JT was j0se). Look at my channel, is has a motherload of his comments on it(Mostly stereotypical comments).
And when he realised that I loved video games more than I loved anime(Although it comes close) he started hating on video games.
So it seems that once all the morons stop hating video games, Anime and Manga will be the next in line... but they will fail the moment they try, because there is one thing that is stopping them and it is the same thing that is stopping JT and the other Video game haters:
The First Ammendment(FTW).
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
http://www.youtube.com/user/LegendaryGamer0
Although j0se was similar to JT, he was by far dumber in every way.
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
Anime Haters are as dumb or far more dumber than JT(who wins the Dumbest award)
@legendaryGamer: colorful Language Josepedro has. it seems the anime haters Spammed your channel before Josepedrosmith came along(looking at your comments history)
America has just became its own version of the Jerry Springer Show after a bizarre moment in Florida involving a carnival worker.
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
I have a long history of haters
.
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
I feel sorry for you having to put up with the anime haters
America has just became its own version of the Jerry Springer Show after a bizarre moment in Florida involving a carnival worker.
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
Ehh, the haters think they are the Champions of God, but I love to remember that their power comes from hiding in the internet, because I can take them all down face to face
.
Hater
vs 
Me.
FATALITY
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
I was in the same position. Then when I realised I had to actually get a giant robot to engage in giant robot combat.
I settled for sitting in the corner and drinking.
-----------------------
IMA FIRIN MAH LASER!!!
Re: it takes one anime hater to become a new Jack Thompson
*Looks up from bolting a myolimer bundle to a exo-frame* What? am I the only one making a mecha?
Hunting the shadows of the troubled dreams.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
You forgot some of the other things railed against.
That sinful dance, the waltz.
And novels.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
yeah those too
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
You also left out Elvis.
-Gray17
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
And skirts!!!
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
And pants!!
Hunting the shadows of the troubled dreams.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
I''m going to be glad when this gets stuck down.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Misinformed is a mild word.
Pandering and misleading are the most gentle that I'd use. How can they be misinformed after being told so many times?
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Maybe they should add this warning for parents....
WARNING: Reading the ESRB rating that has always been here might help you choose if the game is appropriate for your child.
That's just wishful thinking though.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Err no, the ESRB rating has not always been there. I was gaming almost 15 years before ratings were on games.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
CGz, I was gaming b4 the ESRB too, sorry for not being 100% perfect on it gd.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Just wait, someone is goingb to state the ECA fighting this as an admisison of guilt that video games do cause violence.
In any case, GO ECA!!!!
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Because, you know, we don't have another other pressing matters here in California. It's not like we've been without a state budget for the past 2 months.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Warning: Eating cheese HAS BEEN PROVEN linked to heart disease.
Warning: Driving cars HAS BEEN PROVEN linked to crash related deaths.
Warning: Some people like to find scapegoats, and video games are the latest craze
Somehow, it just doesn't sound the same.
Re: ECA Launches Fight Against Video Game Warning Label Bill
Hey your warnings actually make sense... You need something that would do more harm than good...
Warning: Working out in the gym has been linked to heart attacks.
Warning: Flying on planes has been linked to terrorism.
Warning: Working in a bank has been linked to criminal behavior.
Warning: Becoming a politician has been linked to raping and murdering hookers.
Warning: Learning in a school environment from pre-school to college has been linked to alcoholism and heavy crack cocaine use.
dang, my warning still make more sense than the one they are proposing...