Senate Hearing Recap

Gamespot has a look at what went on this week in the Senate hearings on game legislation. Some dramatic testimony was heard at the event, from both sides of the debate. From the article: "The crux of Smith's testimony is that, like film or books, games are a form of expression. 'Video games feature the artwork of leading graphic artists, as well as music--much of it original--that enhances the game's artistic expression in the same way as movie soundtracks,' he said. 'These games often contain storylines and character development as detailed as [and sometimes based on] books and movies. These games frequently involve familiar themes such as good versus evil, triumph over adversity, and struggle against corrupt powers.'"

Comments

Foolish testimony...

[kunwon1]

From TFA:

During his emotional testimony, Strickland lashed out at games' impact on society. "As I gather more information on the games and the people who call themselves 'gamers,' I could see how someone like Devin, who at one minute did not put up any resistance ... [could take] my brother's gun from him in the police station, shooting him and then killing two other men in a matter of less than two minutes," said Strickland. "A game such as Grand Theft Auto: Vice City could and did teach him how to do this."

Anyone who thinks GTA can teach someone how to shoot has either A) Never played GTA or B) Never fired a weapon, ever.

Dave

flawed logic

[radical_dementia]

These anti-game activists keep saying that video games increase aggression and violent behavior. However I find that hard to believe considering US Crime Rates have in fact been decreasing since videogame began getting popular in the early 90s.