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ESRB Should Stand Down?

Posted by Zonk on from the kersplosion-of-koncern dept.

Next Generation has a piece wondering if the ESRB should step down in favour of an independent board, to restore the faith of consumers in the game ratings system. They talk with a company that proposes just that, wanting to substitute a new system for the current model. From the article: "Profanity Sex Violence (PSV) Ratings differ from the ESRB in that they describe levels of sex, violence and profanity in games (using a traffic light system) instead of judging a game to be appropriate for a certain age."

1 of 140 comments (clear)

  1. Huh???? by pappy97 · · Score: 0, Redundant

    We can all debate the merits of whether ANY self-regulating group makes sense, but to suggest a self-regulating group step down?

    It's an exercise in futility. The only way to get rid of the ESRB (or render them useless) is to have governmental regulations. Good luck defeating the video game industry's lobby. Other independent groups can put out their own ratings, but good luck trying to get those ratings onto game boxes.

    While we are at it, let's ask the MPAA to step down. (Honestly, I wish the MPAA was eliminated by government regulations...the crap they pull and its effect on market [e.g., "Kiss of Death" NC-17 ratings] is scary)

    But you get my point. You can't get self-regulating bodies to voluntarily step down. They exist to give the government a reason not to step in. The only way to beat the ESRB, MPAA, etc is through government regulation( and perhaps hearings over ALL ratings disputes).