You know I really hate it when video games and politics mix together. Here comes yet another “genius” idea, from yet another politician (non video game player I assume) taking his stance against the war on violent video games. Congressman Joe Baca, a Democrat from California, has introduced legislation to place health warning labels, similar to cigarettes, on video games rated "T," "M" and "AO." The health warning would read “WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior.”

From house.gov

“The video game industry has a responsibility to parents, families, and to consumers – to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products,” said Rep. Baca. “They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility. Meanwhile research continues to show a proven link between playing violent games and increased aggression in young people. American families deserve to know the truth about these potentially dangerous products.”

“We must hold the video game industry accountable and do everything in our power to ensure parents are aware of the detrimental effects that violent games can have before making decisions on which games are appropriate for their children to play,” concluded Rep. Baca. “I am proud to introduce the Video Game Health Labeling Act of 2009, and am hopeful my legislation can work to stop the growing influence of violent media on America’s children and youth.”

Honestly, there’s already a rating system currently labeled on every video game by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) that warns purchasers of the game's content. For example here is the rating for Halo 3 for the Xbox 360:

Title - Halo 3
Publisher – Microsoft
Rating – Mature
Content – Blood, Gore, Mild Language, Violence
Platform – Xbox 360

And this rating is clearly labeled on the front and back of Halo 3’s packaging. Besides, the information is out there. With hundreds of video game websites featuring pictures, information and trailers, gamers as well as parents, have all of the resources available to them to learn every aspect of a video game, before it hits store shelves.

The truth is, there are no secrets regarding the content of video games. Parents just don’t take the time or have the time, to research a title before purchasing it. Or perhaps maybe they just don’t care about the ratings. People everyday glance over warning signs and ignore health labels on a variety of products. Companies for the most part litter their products with warning labels so the dummies who misuse them cannot sue them later. Who doesn’t know coffee is served hot?

For the most part, people don’t care about labels. I feel adding the health warning label to video games won’t solve any of society’s problems, and it’s just another dumb label people won’t read anyway.

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