PTC Applauds Video Game Bill Requiring Increased Accountability for Adult Game Sales

LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2008) – The Parents Television Council™ praised the leadership of Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) and Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE) and their commitment to increased retailer accountability for adult video game sales. At a news conference today, the Congressmen unveiled a bipartisan bill that would require retailers to check identification for all customers wishing to purchase a video game rated M for “Mature” or AO for “Adults-Only.”

“It’s high time a common-sense bill like the one introduced today be signed into law. Video game ratings supposedly exist to protect children from material that is created for adults, but there is no consequence for irresponsible retailers who repeatedly sell these games to children. The importance of this issue cannot be overstated when considering the array of games that include content too deplorable and disgusting to describe in detail. Games like ‘Grand Theft Auto IV’ appeal to the lowest common denominator by actually rewarding criminal activity and offering the gamer everything from a chance to drive drunk to the opportunity to solicit services from a prostitute,” said PTC President Tim Winter.

“The voluntary code of retailer accountability put forward by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) needs teeth. There must be a consequence for those retailers who fail to abide it, and that is precisely what this legislation provides. Our own grassroots campaigns have consistently proven that minors can buy M-rated games with relative ease, clearly demonstrating that the current system is broken. The Parents Television Council has been at the vanguard of this issue in various states across the country and will continue to push for national legislation that would codify the industry’s own standards. We urge Congress to help parents safeguard their kids by passing a bill that ensures children will no longer have unfettered access to adult video games,” Winter concluded.

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To speak with a representative from the Parents Television Council, please contact Kelly Oliver (ext. 140) or Megan Franko (ext. 148) at (703) 683-5004.

The Parents Television Council™ (www.parentstv.org®) is a non-partisan education organization advocating responsible entertainment. It was founded in 1995 to ensure that children are not constantly assaulted by sex, violence and profanity on television and in other media. This national grassroots organization has more than 1.3 million members across the United States, and works with television producers, broadcasters, networks and sponsors in an effort to stem the flow of harmful and negative messages targeted to children. The PTC also works with elected and appointed government officials to enforce broadcast decency standards. Most importantly, the PTC produces critical research and publications documenting the dramatic increase in sex, violence and profanity in entertainment. This information is provided free of charge so parents can make informed viewing choices for their own families.