GamePolitics did a very interesting assignment on Friday. Armed with a handheld digital camera, it headed to the city Hall in Philadelphia. There the Children and Youth Committee of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives was mulling on various ways and means of curbing violence in video games. Among the suggestions was a 5% tax to be levied on sales of violent games; the proceeds would then fund a parental education program. Another measure suggested was a withdrawal of state tax incentives in respect of the companies that create violent games. Of special cause of concern during the proceedings was a line in the Task Force’s report, which says that there might be some positive effects associated with violent games. The video of the proceedings can be viewed after jump.
Even though the proceedings were tentative and an action hardly seems likely, there are certain questions begging an answer. For example, who classifies games as ‘violent’? The ratings don’t always get it right, right? And there’s hardly any disincentive to those engaged in producing a violent movie or TV show. This debate will rage on for some time in the future, of that one can be sure.
