Jack Thompson's Two-Part Utah Videogame Attack
So if you rob a man, steal his gun, try to shoot the man with his own gun, and it blows up in your hand, can you then sue him for your injury?

Apparently, Jack Thompson is trying to do that here in Utah.

His first step - which just passed committee - is to smack down any retailer that tries to do the right thing. You can still try and do the right thing, but you'd better not admit to it, as then you can be liable.

Assuming this passes, the camel's nose is in the tent in two ways:

Possible Step 2 A: Wacky Jacky's plan is to use the "fact" that the videogame industry us no longer "attempting" - or admitting to attempting - to police itself (for fear of massive fines if they ever fall short of perfection) to push for the government to take over that job.

Possible Step 2 B: Wacky Jacky now has a law which has not been Constitutionally challenged (or better, challenged and failed) as a tiny, tiny example of where the government can step in and make the game's industry's VOLUNTARY ratings system designed to assist parents in making decisions concerning their children's entertainment, and make it mandatory and enforceable by law. At that point, the sky's the limit.

And my idiotic legislature is probably gonna just let the thing through. Because, you know, who really gives a fig?

Which is why I'm not in favor of any kind of voluntary ratings system on downloadable / indie games - something that is discussed occasionally. No good deed goes unpunished. Selfish old lawyers and politicians will figure out a way to line their own pockets by turning it into a weapon against you.

Labels: Politics

- posted by The Rampant Coyote @ 6:33 AM (Permalink)