New York: First your food, now your games.

N.Y. Bill Limits Racial & Religious Violence in Games

2006 had its share of controversial games, including Border Patrol and Left Behind: Eternal Forces.

Border Patrol, which depicted racist violence against Mexican immigrants, was a non-industry, online game. Its creators are unknown and it was freely distributed.

Left Behind, on the other hand, is a commercial product and has both its fans and detractors. Critics claim that the game encourages violence against non-Christians.

New legislation proposed by a legislator in New York State might affect those and similar games, if passed. Rep. Keith Wright (D, seen at left) recently introduced A00547, a bill which would block sales to minors of games which depict, advocate or glamorize:

• commission of a violent crime


• suicide


• sexual violence


• violent racism


• religious violence


• illegal use of drugs & alcohol

Rep. Wright’s bill also calls for the equivalent of an “adults only” section for such games. Retailers would be required to check I.D. for buyers who appear to be 30 or under. The bill has been referred to the Assembly’s Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection.

GP: While the proposed legislation would impact games sold at retail, it won’t affect the likes of Border Patrol due to that game’s non-commercial, online distribution.

What's next, filling out a 4473 form to purchase a video game? How about those that purchase games online to have shipped or via direct download? Policing the point of sale will do no good. It isn't the purchases. Think about it. A parent allows their kid to play GTA. Such said kid plays it, beats it, gets tired of it. He has friends with the same system. What will they do? Swap games. Kids have a tendency play new games because they are new, not just due to content. Boredom is a bitch when it comes to console games. You can only beat them some many ways/times. So, swap them with a friend who hasn't played it. And they swap with friends. And they swap with friends. See how futile it is to try and police violence via point of sale restrictions?