Bill Holds Game Makers Liable for Violence
Found on IGN on Saturday, 05 March 2005
A bill under consideration in Washington state would hold videogame developers accountable for violent acts ostensibly inspired by a particular game.
Currently under review by the state legislature, House Bill 2178 would hold game retailers and manufacturers accountable for "injury or wrongful death" committed by a person under age 17, if the game "was a factor in creating conditions that assisted or encouraged" the perpetrator.
While the bill is still in committee stage and far from becoming law, its dramatic interpretation of criminal responsibility reflects growing concern and controversy about the effects of violent video games.
What are they trying to achieve? Moving responsibility away from the parents by blaming game developers. What's next? Heavy metal bands and motorbike manufacturers will be liable when rockers beat up people? TV stations will be liable when kids turn gay by watching Spongebob? This idea is so ridiculous. And while they are at it: why does nobody suggest to hold weapon manufacturers liable when their customers kill people? I mean, at least that would be a logical conclusion.