Manhunt Decision Threatens Ratings Credibility

Vikingod · Aug 31, 2007, 01:47 PM

Source: Gamasutra
___________
released a new statement on the ESRB's down-rating of Rockstar's Manhunt 2 to M, clearing it for release, saying that without disclosing the reasoning, the board "threatens to undermine" the entire ratings system.

The statement was made by Common Sense CEO James Steyer, long a supporter of California State Senator Leland Yee's own anti-violent game efforts. Yee himself has spoken out on the matter, calling for an FTC investigation into what changes were made to the game.

The group has also previously partnered with AOL Games to launch a family oriented gaming guide, and released white papers claiming that "playing violent video games accounts for a 13% to 22% increase in adolescents' violent behavior compared to a 14% increase in lung cancer from smoking tobacco."

Brutality · Aug 31, 2007, 03:47 PM

And why do we care? We never look at those raiting anyways. Noone does. Imo there are only 2 ratings: Legal or illegal. Period.

Aug 31, 2007, 01:47 PM	#1
Vikingod Int'l Fish Liaison Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: By the light of lamp I sit and type... Posts: 16,197 Rep Power: 112 System Specs	Manhunt Decision Threatens Ratings Credibility Source: Gamasutra ___________ released a new statement on the ESRB's down-rating of Rockstar's Manhunt 2 to M, clearing it for release, saying that without disclosing the reasoning, the board "threatens to undermine" the entire ratings system. The statement was made by Common Sense CEO James Steyer, long a supporter of California State Senator Leland Yee's own anti-violent game efforts. Yee himself has spoken out on the matter, calling for an FTC investigation into what changes were made to the game. The group has also previously partnered with AOL Games to launch a family oriented gaming guide, and released white papers claiming that "playing violent video games accounts for a 13% to 22% increase in adolescents' violent behavior compared to a 14% increase in lung cancer from smoking tobacco."

Aug 31, 2007, 03:47 PM	#2
Brutality DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Estonia Posts: 887 Rep Power: 0	And why do we care? We never look at those raiting anyways. Noone does. Imo there are only 2 ratings: Legal or illegal. Period.