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Who is Responsible for Advice Labels on Games?

AccUser asks: "So, I spent the day in the local hospital with my son after he suffered a seizure while we played a computer game (that shall remain nameless). The game was labeled as one for younger children, but had no warnings about photosensitive seizures on either the packaging or associated documentation, and I assumed that it would be a safe game for him to play. Many games (Halo and others) come with these warnings, and rightly so - I expected that any game that was a potential risk would indicate this. To be honest, all was fine until the final level, when there were a significant number of special lighting effects, and I guess this triggered the subsequent events. So, is the labeling of games to indicate risk of photosensitive seizures and other dangers mandatory, both in Europe and the States, and who is responsible for placing this information? Is it down to the distributor? The publisher? The developer?"

3 of 155 comments (clear)

  1. Get a lawyer. by Naikrovek · · Score: 2, Funny

    He/She will figure it out for you.

  2. Are these flashers by g-san · · Score: 2, Funny

    like the flasher on superbowl? might answer the one question about what percentage of the population is affected by said flashes...

    oh wait, the search engine stories reported that as the most popular search of all time.

    just turn down the refresh rate on your vid settings until it goes away, then turn it back up until they start. get empirical. and perhaps keep the wean away from computer games!

  3. Re:PC or console? by BigJimSlade · · Score: 4, Funny

    The only safe route is abstinance.

    We all know the kids of today are going to do what they want to do, so please teach them about safe gaming. Try stretching a condom over your child's head (just enough to cover the eyes! we don't want to suffocate anybody!)

    (All kidding aside, I hope you little one is better soon.)