A Sampling of the Controllers Headed Yee's Way

[GriffinSentinel]

From GamePolitics.

http://gamepolitics.com/files/blogimages/broken360controller.jpg

"The Entertainment Software Association’s (ESA) Video Game Voters Network (VGVN) has launched a promotion designed to tweak California State Senator Leland Yee, the original author of that state’s videogame law which is now in front of the Supreme Court.

A good handful of gamers have probably destroyed a controller in a fit of rage, and while there’s a handful of things that the useless accessories could be used for, the ESA - via VGVN - is urging game enthusiasts to take the broken controller (or an old one), scribble “I believe in the First Amendment” on it and send it off to Senator Yee’s office.

They also want those who submit their controller to take a picture of it and submit it to the organization.

Of course, it’s recommended that gamers be respectful in their communication, as using any swear words or threats would “only prove Yee’s point!”

Full instructions and Yee’s address can be found here:
http://videogamevoters.org/page/s/controller-campaign?utm_medium=email&utm_source=vgvn&utm_campaign=20101006controller&source=20101006controller"

[Bull3tBait]

In a way I agree with Yee. Keep the ultra violent games out of the hands of those less than 18 yo so that we adults that are old enough to play them won't have to deal with squeekers in the multiplayer arena :D

But true it is unconstitutional and there is nothing to stop parents from enforcing that in their own homes.

Just a shame that so many parents don't. In a way it seems that our government has become our children's "babysitter" in a way.

[Amiable Horde]

In a way I agree with Yee. Keep the ultra violent games out of the hands of those less than 18 yo so that we adults that are old enough to play them won't have to deal with squeekers in the multiplayer arena :D

But true it is unconstitutional and there is nothing to stop parents from enforcing that in their own homes.

Just a shame that so many parents don't. In a way it seems that our government has become our children's "babysitter" in a way.

How does sending broken controllers help anything? In my eyes all it says is that a lot of us have bad tempers and are violent due to (waa laa!) video games.

[Bull3tBait]

In a way I agree with Yee. Keep the ultra violent games out of the hands of those less than 18 yo so that we adults that are old enough to play them won't have to deal with squeekers in the multiplayer arena :D

But true it is unconstitutional and there is nothing to stop parents from enforcing that in their own homes.

Just a shame that so many parents don't. In a way it seems that our government has become our children's "babysitter" in a way.

How does sending broken controllers help anything? In my eyes all it says is that a lot of us have bad tempers and are violent due to (waa laa!) video games.

You know I was thinking the same thing. But then I have 3 broken controllers and you can't tell by looking at them, either they just disconnect a lot or the D pad don't work or the bumper. Mine tend to fall a lot for various reasons (usually kid related). So tis not a matter of violence but clumbsiness.

[River_Rat_459]

Can I send him my broken Bravia? :lol:

[jxspyder]

In a way I agree with Yee. Keep the ultra violent games out of the hands of those less than 18 yo so that we adults that are old enough to play them won't have to deal with squeekers in the multiplayer arena :D

But true it is unconstitutional and there is nothing to stop parents from enforcing that in their own homes.

Just a shame that so many parents don't. In a way it seems that our government has become our children's "babysitter" in a way.

It's not unconstitutional. It's actively enforced. It's called the ESRB. Games are rated. Retailers can be fired, have lawsuits filed against them, and be put out of business for not following the ESRB guidelines.

The only problem are parents who don't care, who don't even pay attention, and use video games as a babysitting service.

[GriffinSentinel]

A Sampling of the Controllers Headed Yee's Way

http://gamepolitics.com/files/blogimages/atari_flag2.jpg

The Entertainment Software Association’s (ESA) Video Game Voters Network (VGVN) has posted the first batch of user submitted photos showing controllers submitted to California State Senator Leland Yee.

The VGVN, for those who missed it [http://gamepolitics.com/2010/10/08/yee-vgvn-initiative-send-us-kinect-instead], is urging the gaming populace to show its distaste for the Yee-authored law, which, under the guise of Schwarzenegger vs. EMA, will appear in front of the Supreme Court on November 2, by sending in controllers with the words “I Believe in the First Amendment” written on them.

While no motion controller systems appear to have been sent in as of yet—which will surely disappoint Yee and his staff—some standard controllers, along with a few oddballs, are on their way to Yee's San Francisco office..

A few appear below, to view the rest check out the VGVN’s website or their Flickr page [http://videogamevoters.org/blog/entry/controller_campaign_making_headway/]. All told there is around 40 entries, or at least pictures of entries submitted, to-date.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5062146201_70ee861ab1.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5075317438_a92166037f.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5071960172_ed615fc86c.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5062759978_8c7cbdc19a.jpg

[ApollosArrow89]

What does this mean for the gamers? Are they trying to take control of what is put in video games?

[MuleTheDestroyer]

In a way I agree with Yee. Keep the ultra violent games out of the hands of those less than 18 yo so that we adults that are old enough to play them won't have to deal with squeekers in the multiplayer arena :D

But true it is unconstitutional and there is nothing to stop parents from enforcing that in their own homes.

Just a shame that so many parents don't. In a way it seems that our government has become our children's "babysitter" in a way.

It's not unconstitutional. It's actively enforced. It's called the ESRB. Games are rated. Retailers can be fired, have lawsuits filed against them, and be put out of business for not following the ESRB guidelines.

The only problem are parents who don't care, who don't even pay attention, and use video games as a babysitting service.

Not quite. The ESA made the ESRB, the ESA is the one behind this campaign. While most major retailers follow the ESRB guidelines, there are seldom any penalties for retailers selling to minors. What California wants to do is make their own rating system backed up by penalties for retailers. One of the major problems is that the wording of the thing can concievebly make any game restricted in california.

Here's what it is, it's illegal for a minor to have porn, alcohol, and nicotene so there are severe penalties for retailers who sell these items to minors.
It is legal for minors to be in possesion of M rated games, R rated movies, and Explicit lyrics CDs so nobody really cares besides the parents, who can force the retailers to self regulate.

of the rating systems in the ESRB's peer group (MPAA, etc.) it is the highest rated and is generally felt to be getting the job done. In short, this is a play to rile up the key voters that are scared of video games (old people and mothers) at the cost of unneccesary and redundant legislature that oversteps the role of the government.

[GriffinSentinel]

Not quite. The ESA made the ESRB, the ESA is the one behind this campaign. While most major retailers follow the ESRB guidelines, there are seldom any penalties for retailers selling to minors. What California wants to do is make their own rating system backed up by penalties for retailers. One of the major problems is that the wording of the thing can concievebly make any game restricted in california.

Here's what it is, it's illegal for a minor to have porn, alcohol, and nicotene so there are severe penalties for retailers who sell these items to minors.
It is legal for minors to be in possesion of M rated games, R rated movies, and Explicit lyrics CDs so nobody really cares besides the parents, who can force the retailers to self regulate.

of the rating systems in the ESRB's peer group (MPAA, etc.) it is the highest rated and is generally felt to be getting the job done. In short, this is a play to rile up the key voters that are scared of video games (old people and mothers) at the cost of unneccesary and redundant legislature that oversteps the role of the government.

That says it all Mule. Playing on people's fear is one of the great motivators and politicians know it.

[saviger]

It's not unconstitutional. It's actively enforced. It's called the ESRB. Games are rated. Retailers can be fired, have lawsuits filed against them, and be put out of business for not following the ESRB guidelines.

just because its activily enforced doesnt make it Constitutional.


On this topic may I quote William Pitt

"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves."

[MuleTheDestroyer]

There has been confusion on the issues, so heres you go:

The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) is a self-regulatory organization that assigns age and content ratings, enforces industry-adopted advertising guidelines, and ensures responsible online privacy principles for computer and video games and other entertainment software in Canada and the United States.[2]

The ESRB was established in 1994 by the Entertainment Software Association (formerly Interactive Digital Software Association).[1] By late 2009, it had assigned nearly 19,130 ratings to titles submitted by more than 350 publishers.

One of the reasons the ESRB was founded was due to violent content found in video games such as Night Trap, Mortal Kombat, Lethal Enforcers, and Doom, as well as other controversial video games portraying overly violent or intense sexual situations at the time.

The ESRB assigns ratings to games based on their content, similar to the motion picture rating systems used in many countries. Their aim is to aid consumers in determining a game's content and suitability. A game's rating is displayed on its box, the media, in advertisements and on the game's website(s).

The rating system is strictly voluntary, however nearly all video games are submitted for rating because many retail stores prohibit the sale of unrated video games and the major console manufacturers will not license games for their systems unless they carry ESRB ratings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainm ... ting_Board (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Software_Rating_Board)


Everybody got that? there is no law saying that a 13 year old cant buy a rated M game. Retailers and developers self Regulate with the help of the ESRB.

The ESA (the ones behind the protest via controller mailing) created the ESRB, the ESA is not against regulating game sales, it is against the government doing it

If a game recieved an AO or A rating (adults only) it would probably be illegal to sell that to a minor cause at that level its considered obscene.

[jxspyder]

Not quite. The ESA made the ESRB, the ESA is the one behind this campaign. While most major retailers follow the ESRB guidelines, there are seldom any penalties for retailers selling to minors. What California wants to do is make their own rating system backed up by penalties for retailers. One of the major problems is that the wording of the thing can concievebly make any game restricted in california.

Here's what it is, it's illegal for a minor to have porn, alcohol, and nicotene so there are severe penalties for retailers who sell these items to minors.
It is legal for minors to be in possesion of M rated games, R rated movies, and Explicit lyrics CDs so nobody really cares besides the parents, who can force the retailers to self regulate.

of the rating systems in the ESRB's peer group (MPAA, etc.) it is the highest rated and is generally felt to be getting the job done. In short, this is a play to rile up the key voters that are scared of video games (old people and mothers) at the cost of unneccesary and redundant legislature that oversteps the role of the government.

That says it all Mule. Playing on people's fear is one of the great motivators and politicians know it.

My bad then. I thought that ESRB fell under the same guidelines as movie ratings. Still believe it's 100% the parents responsibility. Am tired of slack-ass parents who can't spend 5 minutes deciding what's good for their kids, and expecting government to regulate morons. We need parent licensing instead.

[Goat Customs]

I can fix/scrap any broken controller for cheap and make it workable again just like new...SO if everyone was sending me there easily fixable controllers and could restore them for cheap.."Sounds Like Easy Money to me"