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FearlessDom33 -> RE: Cal. video game law ruled unconstitutional (2/24/2009 1:02:08 AM)
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This is actually less a video game debate than it is a censorship debate. It makes for a wonderful election year topic (they may be looking to 2010) to swing soccer mothers and other paragons of "wholesome American family values". The politicians will huff, puff, and demand reform to violent video games. However, in spite of the pageantry, these topics tend to go on the backburner until another election year comes up, and then suddenly it takes on an importance that it otherwise would not. Conservatives and Liberals are equally guilty of this pandering (which surprises me because one would think Democrats would be more willing to defend it on Freedom of Speech grounds). This is not even taking into account the lobbying and counter-lobbying that is going on behind the scenes (socially conservative groups vs. video game industry groups, freedom of speech groups).
All media has undergone similar scrutiny. Books. Movies. Graphic novels. Censorship advocates have attacked all of these at some point in our history. It's an assumed growing pain. Sometimes, they're STILL attacked. However, they tend to fend off these attacks better under the mantle of Freedom of Speech and because they can be considered art. Are video games art and worthy of the same levels of protection? I think they are gradually working themselves there. For every mindless licensed cash-in game, there have been some wonderful works with great writing, aesthetics, and gameplay in tandem that it can almost be considered an experience versus merely just a game. Bioshock, Braid, and Fallout 3 are some prime examples. Of course, the fact that all of these are FUN is probably what matters the most.
Ultimately, I disapprove of censorship because it's taking away choice and responsibility from us as individuals. The government is not responsible for the content we choose to consume nor should it be. If a person finds a particular piece of content obscene and not to his / her liking, they always have the choice to not be a consumer of said content. There is already an Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) in place that does a fine job of classifying materials in a game. It is up to us to be responsible for the content we allow ourselves (or our loved ones, dependents) to consume without infringing upon another person's right to view / play some media (with the caveat that material that is unlawful to possess is obviously excluded).
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