As we've said in the past, the New York legislature has something of an infatuation with video game legislation.
New York, of course, passed a largely symbolic video game law in 2008 and GamePolitics has already reported on two new content-related bills which have been submitted in the current Assembly session.
A third Assembly proposal seeks to warn consumers about the risk of game-induced seizures. A.4004, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D, at left), would require video game retailers to display such warnings. Failure to do so would subject retailers to a $50 fine. From the bill:
Around 1 in every 130 people is diagnosed as having epilepsy, whereas only 1 in every 10,000 have Photosensitivity Epilepsy. Among people with epilepsy, only an estimated 3-5% have seizures triggered by lights or patterns. Photosensitivity Epilepsy most commonly affects children.
This Bill would require that a warning be placed upon every video game warning people of the dangers of Photosensitivity Epilepsy.
Englebright has tried unsuccessfully to pass this legislation since 2001. The bill has been referred to the Assembly's Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee.
Comments
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
I wish I could find a reference, but I can recall years ago something about a wine called "chateau de warning", with a giant warning as it's label
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
As we've said in the past, the New York legislature has something of an infatuation with useless video game legislation.
Fixed that for you Dennis.
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
*Turns on a video game* OH there is the warning!!!!!!! ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS YOU SEE!!!!!!!!
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
There is already health warnings on it. You see it on the back of every Wii game (atleast the Wii games I have) and every time you turn on the DS, you see a refer to manual about health warnings (and you can not disable that)
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Let's try a little experiment, shall we?
First, I'll grab the nearest video game. Oh look, LEGO Batman.
Now, I'll open the case and take out the instruction booklet.
Next, I'll start reading...
Hey! That didn't take long! Look at what's printed at the top of the first page (inside cover): WARNING - Seizures. "Some people (about 1 in 4000) may have seizures or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns, and this may occur while they are watching TV or playing video games..."
Wait, what's this on the back of the box? "WARNING: If you have epilepsy or have had seizures..."
Dear Assemblyman Steve Englebright,
There's no need for legislation. The seizure warnings are already there and have been for a long time.
Sincerely,
Andrew Eisen
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Unfortunately, since the warning doesn't seem to take up 90% of the back of the box, this is probably going to get a lot of attention
---You are likely to be eaten by a Grue.
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Indeed. I was also under the distinct impression that the game publishers already made this perfectly clear. Hell, back in 2001 when Wizards of the Coast offered LAN parties, I remember going to play Unreal Tournament and was notified by a rather large notice "If you have epilepsy or sensitivity to repeated light patterns, do not play these games without first consulting a physician" or something along those lines, plus a disclaimer in case someone with that sensitivity indeed did choose to do so.
On that note, one of the players there suffered an epileptic seizure on the spot while playing Death Match on Morpheus. He was promptly assisted by paramedics who arrived within 5 minutes.
I dare say this legislation is not needed.
----
Papa Midnight
http://www.otakutimes.com
http://www.thesupersoldiers.com
----
Papa Midnight
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Gotta love Morpheus, especially for instagib. I bet it was worth the seizure.
http://www.eliteownage.com/nice
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Aren't there already warning labels in the instruction manuals about seizures?
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Who reads instruction manuals? Well, I do, but I thought I was weird...
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Aren't there already warnings on or in the games/manuals? I could swear I've seen them somewhere...
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
They're even before some games. I know they're before nearly every Wii game we own and every game I've played on my DS has them too...
Seems like a waste of money to me.
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Yeah, there are already laws in place that say that if a form of media can cause such a medical condition that it has to have a warning before hand. So it is a waste of money and redundant. Politicians trying to show they are doing something when they are doing nothing.
Epileptics already know what to be careful of, so yeah...
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How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
First page of every manual going back to the original NES. I remember reading through mario bros. for the first time and reading it. than getting worried I might have problems....I was like 7 at the time though lol.
Just more waste to fix issues that don't exist. Good thing the country isn't going through an economic crisis or anything.
Re: NY Bill Would Require Seizure Warnings by Game Retailers
Exactly, and that our politicians are so well paid too!
Nido Web Flash Tutorials AS2 and AS3 Tutorials for anyone interested.
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls
How to set Xbox 360 Parental Controls