Crytek Considers Leaving Germany Over Game Law

Heise is reporting that the largest German game developer and makers of the much-anticipated upcoming title Crysis, Crytek, are considering leaving the country in anticipation of a new restrictive law. "The Conference of Interior Ministers (IMK) of the countries had unanimously decided on a production and distribution ban for violent computer games for the first time in the end of May. The responsible Federal Ministry of Family Affairs is presently working on a less drastic draft of a law for the protection of children and youth. Instead of only the previous 'violence glorifying' games, also the 'violence dominated' games should be indexed by the Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons (BPjM) in the future. These may then no longer be advertised and sold to youths."

Comments

This should not exist anywhere

[Sciros]

"Federal Department for Media Harmful to Young Persons"

As socially progressive/liberal as Germany is in many ways, the sheer fact that it has such an organization is astounding and disappointing to me. First of all, it sounds way too much like something only a "Totalitarian Regime"(tm) would have. Second, it's such a misappropriation of resources it's laughable.

Re:This should not exist anywhere

[Clazzy]

I think they're under the impression that censorship in the "right areas" will prevent that kind of thing from happening again. Your guess is as good as mine on this, though.

Re:Old news?

[Anonymous Coward]

Jack Thompson is furiously smoking a crack pipe and muttering to himself in german about the nature of violence...

If Crytek actually *does* change location due to legislation like this, I think that *IS* news. Otherwise.. meh.

Re:Unfortunately par for the course

[ShaneThePain]

Screaming at someone is considered simple assault in the US, I would know. Did 32 hours of community service for that bullshit.