UK Games Retail to Abide by Non-Law
Although some are apparently happy enough to poison our kids' minds!! (Shock Horror)
The fact that the Video Recordings Act of 1984 isn't actually an enforceable law will either lead to chaos or to the reasonable conclusion that we don't really need to legally enforce censorship in the first place.
The government, for its part, has stated that it will take at least three months to get another, similar act passed and ratified.
Two big UK retailers have come out officially to say that they will abide by a law that technically does not exist.
Speaking to MCV, both HMV and the Game Group have both committed to standing by current age restrictions. Terry Scicluna, COO for GAME Group UK and Ireland said, “Age ratings are very important because they help us give customers clear advice about the wide range of games that we sell.
"Today’s development doesn’t change our approach, and we’ll continue to enforce age ratings in all of our stores."
For its part, HMV let an anonymous spokesman take its corporate line, which is frankly almost empty of real meaning: "We are committed to responsible selling, and will continue to merchandise games in line with trading standards and Industry best practise."
A few independent retailers have pointed out that they will also toe the now non-existent line. There have been a few notable exceptions such as one poster to the MCV board who states, "I own three independent stores, and I've let my staff know that they don't have to check age ratings for the time being. I imagine we've sold a few copies to underaged kids. But you won't get seven year-old's after GTA."
What you do think?
The government, for its part, has stated that it will take at least three months to get another, similar act passed and ratified.
Two big UK retailers have come out officially to say that they will abide by a law that technically does not exist.
Speaking to MCV, both HMV and the Game Group have both committed to standing by current age restrictions. Terry Scicluna, COO for GAME Group UK and Ireland said, “Age ratings are very important because they help us give customers clear advice about the wide range of games that we sell.
"Today’s development doesn’t change our approach, and we’ll continue to enforce age ratings in all of our stores."
For its part, HMV let an anonymous spokesman take its corporate line, which is frankly almost empty of real meaning: "We are committed to responsible selling, and will continue to merchandise games in line with trading standards and Industry best practise."
A few independent retailers have pointed out that they will also toe the now non-existent line. There have been a few notable exceptions such as one poster to the MCV board who states, "I own three independent stores, and I've let my staff know that they don't have to check age ratings for the time being. I imagine we've sold a few copies to underaged kids. But you won't get seven year-old's after GTA."
What you do think?
Comments
Psalms 25 Aug 2009 17:00
1/3
I have to say it's good to see that they still have some sense of responsibility. While I'd like to see responsible selling, I can't really blame struggling independent stores if they intend to be a little lenient for the time being. I wouldn't mind them bending their 'look 3 years older than the age rating' rule which will continue to annoy me until I finally look 21, stupid baby-face...
Retrospecs 25 Aug 2009 18:39
2/3
I wonder if retailers that were prosecuted for breaking this 'law' can claim compensation from the totalitarian video nasty hating muppets in power.
Joji 26 Aug 2009 04:44
3/3
Nice that they are following those guide lines still, but it really doesn't matter when you can get anything you want online these days.
25 years? Shocking government debacle of the year, or years. With prompt laws like these, dealing with any other tech stuff, I won't hold my water, for those crazy old non tech government peoples. And they wonder why they have zero effect on the internet and online media.
25 years? Shocking government debacle of the year, or years. With prompt laws like these, dealing with any other tech stuff, I won't hold my water, for those crazy old non tech government peoples. And they wonder why they have zero effect on the internet and online media.