Slashdot Mirror
Germany Places Command & Conquer on Restricted List
heli0 writes "CNet is reporting that Germany has placed EA's newest Command & Conquer game 'Generals' on its restricted list, which means it may not be advertised or displayed on shelves although it may be kept under store counters and sold to adults. The reason according to Elke Monssen-Engberding, director of the Ministry for Family Affairs: 'It portrays war as the only way to resolve conflicts.'"
The article says Electronic Arts believe it has something to do with what's going on in Iraq right now.
If this is the case, it's plain ignorance.
Many games are put on the restricted list in Germany, and this one isn't really a shocker. Perhaps if Timmy the Tooth: Decay Demolisher II was placed on this list there might be some questions behind the reasoning, but a war game? Not a surprise by a long shot.
There seem to be about 100 variations of this quote, although all the others managed not to confuse Sweden and Switzerland.
I found a 2001 article (Google Cache) on the variations of this quote which appeared in the press and internet. The quote is attributes to Charles Barkley.
You're right that free speech is less absolute in Germany than in the US.
But in this case, this has nothing to do with free speech. It is legal to sell/buy this game, just not to people under 18. Just as it is legal to sell pornography, just not to people under 18.