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Don’t listen to the hyperbole from the politicians and the parents, the Federal Trade Commission has released a report that states that game retailers are the best media outlets at keeping minors from purchasing mature content. Via their annual undercover shopping survey, the games industry was ranked highest in self-enforced product regulation, with only 13% of minors able to buy an inappropriate game. The figure was down from 20% last year. The worst industry figures came from the music industry, which allowed 64% of undercover shoppers to buy products marked with age restrictions.
The strong support that the ESRB ratings have enjoyed from retailers is crucial, underscoring their firm commitment to selling video games responsibly,” read a statement from Entertainment Software Ratings Board president Patricia Vance.
Was this figure surprising, given the occasional vitriol against the industry in the media? Give us your thoughts, E-Gs!
definitely not surprising. As a sales associate at a video game store, it’s not surprising due to the fact that I would lose my job selling a M game to a minor, so either keep my job, or sell games to everyone…. I go with keep my job.
Well, they are doing their job. Still, that won’t stop “family rights” groups from making the same tired remarks about how games are ‘destroying our children’s lives.’
oh but they ARE destroying their lives. Afterall, games let children have fun, and IN MY DAY WE DIDN’T HAVE NONE OF THAT FANCYPANTS FUN – WE HAD TO WALK TWENTY MILES UPHILL IN TEN FEET OF SNOW JUST TO COME ANYWHERE CLOSE TO SOMETHING FUN!