Gamasutra.com today reports that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a new law making it illegal for retailers to supply M-rated games to minors, prior to his endorsement of the bill, the former Hollywood star had been called upon by concerned retailers to 'terminate' the bill, but it appears the governor backs the new restrictions. The new law was introduced in the wake of various controversies surrounding video games with violent and sexual content. Assemblyman Leland Yee's law was approved by the state several week's ago and only required Arnie's signature to become law. This has now happened.

"Today I signed legislation to ensure parent involvement in determining which video games are appropriate for their children. The bill I signed will require that violent video games be clearly labeled and not be sold to children under 18 years old. Many of these games are made for adults and choosing games that are appropriate for kids should be a decision made by their parents," the governor commented at the introduction of the new rules, which begin officially next year.

Games including content deemed offensive will now have to carry a special label by law, with ID checks mandatory during sales. Retailers found not checking ID or failing to carry the labeling will be fined up to 1,000 USD. The state of Illinois has also introduced similar laws, and industry association chief Doug Lowenstein is not happy, calling the laws 'confused' and 'chilling'. Legally enforceable ratings have been in operation in some countries, like Australia and the UK for years, and this move could have the effect of protecting games makers from lawsuits because the impetus is now on parents and other adults to control kids gaming habits. We shall see what pans out.

By Luke Guttridge

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  1. Vespa_Boy Unregistered 3 years ago

    Its great that that Schwarzenegger passed the bill now kids won't get M rated games. Kids should not be playing M rated games in the first place by the way.

  2. A Kid Unregistered 2 years ago

    I'm sorry... am I to believe that us kids are not mature enough to handle the ethical and moral implications of shooting the evil alien in the head with a plasma rifle? Personally, I don't think the Industry is very forgiving to those who choose the 'lets rehabilitate the alien into society and set up support groups for all nonhumans bent on the destruction of Earth to learn the error of their ways...' approch. Your health tends to hit 0 pretty quickly and then the dreaded words 'GAME OVER'