Legal Niches

Yee Pares Violent Games off Xmas List

By gamepolitics

If you are on the receiving end of a holiday gift from California State Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) don't expect to receive a violent videogame.

The Senator is urging parents and holiday shoppers to avoid the purchasing of violent games in the coming month, referring to their potentially harmful effect on minors.

'It is vitally important that parents and grandparents consider the content in video games before making holiday purchases,' said Yee.  'There is mounting evidence that ultraviolent video games have negative effects on children, and can cause real behavioral changes.'

Yee cited a Common Sense Media list of games to specifically avoid, which includes Manhunt, Resident Evil 4 & 5, Dead Rising, Grand Theft Auto IV & San Andreas, God of War II, Mortal Kombat: Deception, MadWorld, Gears of War and Saints Row 2.

He urged parents to avoid first and third-person 'killing' games altogether and to check a videogame's age rating and descriptors before purchasing.

A list of Common Sense Media approved games for the holidays can be found here.

Full post as published by GamePolitics.com on December 03, 2009 (boomark / email).