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Washington State Restricts Anti-Cop Videogames

Posted by simoniker on from the tony-hawk-restricted-too? dept.

Thanks to an anonymous reader for pointing to this CNN report mentioning that Washington state is the first in the US to regulate the sale of videogames to minors. The bill, passed Monday, "..forbids selling minors any video or computer game depicting violence against law enforcement officials.". Interestingly, the law (as mentioned at Slashdot a while back) seems to ignore the fairly well-respected voluntary ESRB ratings for games, with the article suggesting that Enter The Matrix might be banned for purchase by those under 17, due to the player battling cops, despite EtM only being rated 'Teen' by the ESRB.

6 of 502 comments (clear)

  1. If you outlaw games by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you games where kids can play outlaws, then only outlaw kids will play games where they can play outlaws.

  2. Obligatory Reservoir Dogs quote by IvyMike · · Score: 4, Funny

    Mr. Pink: You kill anybody?
    Mr. White: A few cops.
    Mr. Pink: No real people?
    Mr. White: Just cops.

  3. Re:why draw the line at law enforcement oficials? by IvyMike · · Score: 5, Funny

    Teacher Killer 2K4, Cop Killer 2004 Season

    Those games sound freakin' sweet. Where can I buy them?

    Kidding aside (somewhat) I always sort of secretly hoped that all these violent video games would turn me into an unstoppable killing machine, like Rambo or Charlton Heston. But the unfortunate reality is that the thousands of hours spent playing games really just improved my mousing skills.

    Need something clicked on, in a rapid and ultra-violent manner? I'm definitely your man. Need someone offed in real life? You probably wouldn't call me.

    I guess what I'm saying is: If video games are supposed to cause violent behaviour, I think I got ripped off.

  4. Washington State by MisterFancypants · · Score: 3, Funny

    Washington State has already made their choice, now they just have to understand it.

  5. Re:Well, Enter The Matrix... by aeksy · · Score: 5, Funny

    Just curious...

    If you attack people in the Matrix, is that an assault on a battery?

    Please don't kill me.

  6. Why does everyone 'Forget' about the intro? by DAldredge · · Score: 3, Funny

    INTRO to Cop Killer.

    This next record is dedicated to some personal friends of mine, the LAPD.
    For every cop that has ever taken advantage of somebody, beat 'em down or
    hurt 'em, because they got long hair, listen to the wrong kinda music,
    wrong color, whatever they thought was the reason to do it. For every one
    of those fuckin' police, I'd like to take a pig out here in this parkin'
    lot and shoot 'em in their mothafuckin' face.

    - Body Count (w/Ice-T) - "Out In The Parking Lot" - Cop Killer