Okay so there I was picking up my copy of Dragon Age 2 Signature edition, waiting for some kid with his little sister and their mom to finish up buying an xbox and some games. The little brat could not have been older then maybe 13, most likely this was his present for his thirteenth birthday. Nothing wrong there even though I feel an xbox is quite the present and the jaded way the kid reacted, made me feel we were talking about a really spoiled brat here. I was surprised when I saw what games he was buying along with the console.
Fable2/ Halo Wars 16+
Afro Samurai 18+
Fall Out New Vegas 18+
Call of Duty Black Ops 18+
Now off course things aren’t black and white and I believe Halo Wars is rated too high for instance. Often a parent (especially one that actually plays games) can make a decision whether they want their kid to play a certain game. But this mom had no idea and completely ignored the PEGI ratings, but what is worse the lady behind the counter ignored their existence just as easily.
Selling games, or movies for that matter, disregarding the age restriction is not only showing a somewhat less socially involved market, but it’s also seriously endangering the whole industry. When actions such as these continue, many countries, like Germany and Australia have already done, will be inclined to ban or restrict certain entertainment products, especially games. Even though some games, many games even, like Dead Space, FEAR, Call of Duty are obviously intended for a mature audience, the risk of them being played by children as is evident by afore mentioned incident will be the cause of restrictions and bans of the more mature games. Which would suck…big time.
So I filed a complaint at the store… sorry E-plaza, but you need to get your shit in order!
Fable2/ Halo Wars 16+
Afro Samurai 18+
Fall Out New Vegas 18+
Call of Duty Black Ops 18+
Now off course things aren’t black and white and I believe Halo Wars is rated too high for instance. Often a parent (especially one that actually plays games) can make a decision whether they want their kid to play a certain game. But this mom had no idea and completely ignored the PEGI ratings, but what is worse the lady behind the counter ignored their existence just as easily.
Selling games, or movies for that matter, disregarding the age restriction is not only showing a somewhat less socially involved market, but it’s also seriously endangering the whole industry. When actions such as these continue, many countries, like Germany and Australia have already done, will be inclined to ban or restrict certain entertainment products, especially games. Even though some games, many games even, like Dead Space, FEAR, Call of Duty are obviously intended for a mature audience, the risk of them being played by children as is evident by afore mentioned incident will be the cause of restrictions and bans of the more mature games. Which would suck…big time.So I filed a complaint at the store… sorry E-plaza, but you need to get your shit in order!
Couldn't agree more. The undifferent attitude towards age restrictions on games continues to baffle me. It is that atttitude that makes kids play the games they shouldn't, often resulting in ammunition for the 'Games make kids violent' lobby. Parents who do not play videogames themselves should at least pay some interest in them and realise that games are often NOT for children. The age indicated on the box is there for a reason, so if you don't know if it's okay for your kid to play just read the box! How hard can it be. And I find it dissapointing that a sales person at a gamestore doesn't pay attention to this matter. Isn't that illegal BTW? Like selling porn to kids? Or liquor, tabacco or drugs? The idea remains the same right? You are selling them something from which the experts have found it to be endangering their development.
ReplyDeleteLaw has been shifted around on that lately, I would have to look up the current status, but I believe it is illegal to sell adult content to minors, so the 18+ is out, 16 might be another story altogether.
ReplyDeleteugh, doesn't surprise me, the new team at this store are just kids themselves. I really wish the old team had stayed. They at least knew a lot about games and would never have sold kids such games.
ReplyDeleteBt hey, parents these days are just...well...let's say they just want to appease their crying kid. (Since when do kids have to have presents THAT expensive???)
I've seen parents before in the same store, asking what console they should buy...for their freaking 3 YEAR OLD!??!?