Xbox 360
A couple of days ago an age old arguement raised its head again in the Scottish Parliament. The videogame violence debate may seem old hat to some but, until we see a direct understanding of the research that has been completed on the subject, I don't see things changing.
We shouldn't just lie down and accept any form of criticism but try and address it in an adult way listening to arguments made. Our very own response to what you find below is here, but we felt it was only fair to include details of what triggered this response.
The Scottish Parliamentary Motions
Elaine Smith: Grand Theft Childhood (S3M-5517)
That the Parliament notes with concern recent research that indicates that video games featuring high levels of violence can be detrimental to those playing them; acknowledges that these games can have a particularly negative effect on children and young people; recognises that violent video games are successfully marketed to and easily obtained by children and young people; notes with concern evidence to suggest that parents are purchasing video games for children younger than the certified age range; believes that parents should be made aware of the possible risk to children's emotional and psychological development as a result of prolonged use of violent video games; further believes that the Scottish Government should engage in a productive debate among parents, legislators and video games producers to highlight the potential dangers of high rates of exposure to virtual violence, and encourages the Scottish Government to define the public policy options that are likely to be most effective in addressing the negative effects of these games.
Supported by: Jackie Baillie
Joe FitzPatrick: Grand Theft Childhood (S3M-5517.1)
As an amendment to motion (S3M-5517) in the name of Elaine Smith, leave out from the first "notes" to end and insert "celebrates Scotland's world-leading video game development sector; recognises that, although there is a correlation between playing violent games and aggressive behaviour, there is no evidence to suggest that one causes the other; further recognises that most video games are suitable for children; notes that just 3% of games in 2007 were classified as an 18 certificate; agrees that there is a place for the development of adult video games for all adult players; urges the UK Government to enact the Pan European Game Information classification system at the earliest opportunity, and warns parents to buy only games that are appropriate to their children's age and that retailers should strictly enforce the classification system when selling video games to the public."
As well as the above TIGA had the following press release:
Dundee MSP Defends Video Game Industry from 'Video Violence' Slur
Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick, who has been highly supportive of the Dundee-based Scottish video games industry, today reacted with surprise at a parliamentary motion which seeks to associate the industry with 'high levels of violence' and has tabled an amendment at the Scottish Parliament to promote a more constructive approach.
The MSP feels that the original motion, tabled by Labour MSP Elaine Smith, is unnecessarily hostile to the industry and may set-back development of a sector which has a combined turnover of approximately £20m and employs over 700, many in Dundee.
Joe FitzPatrick said: "I am very keen to promote Dundee's world-leading video game development sector and am concerned at this unwarranted attack on an important industry and the effect it might have on its development.
"Only 3% of games in 2007 are classified as an 18+ certificate. Overall, the recent Byron Report was ambivalent about the connection between video games and violence.
"Of those games that do contain violent conduct they are clearly designed only for adults and rated appropriately.
"The UK Government is due to introduce legislation protecting children by making age ratings compulsory for all boxed games designed for those aged 12 or above, using the Pan-European Games Information (PEGI) classification system. It is important that this is done before the General Election."
"Parents should heed the classification code and only buy games for children which are appropriate for their age and retailers should continue to strictly enforce the classification system when selling video games to the public."
Dr Richard Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of the TIGA the games industry's representative body, said: "The video games industry makes an important economic contribution both to the Scotland and to the wider UK economy. It sustains highly skilled, graduate level jobs in an industry that exports games all over the world.
"Video games also have great potential in respect of education and training. Rather than knocking the UK video games sector we should be celebrating its success and implementing measures to help the industry to realise its full potential."
Square-Go's Response
As I said our own response can be found here and the editorial team spent some time discussing and debating our own thoughts and feelings.
It is our hope to gain interviews with the two MSP's involved to allow all sides to be heard but we will also be interviewing Richard Wilson (CEO TIGA)
As we were preparing this response the issue of videogaming causing rickets was raised by United Kingdom MP's. Be assured that we are already researching the facts concerning this and will be bringing you our response next Monday.
On a Lighter Note
I'm happy to announce that the winners of our Tekken T-Shirt Competition are:
James Barnard
William Kemble-Young
Richard Jones
Claire Morrison
Jenny Hambleton
Congratulations all and your T-Shirts will be issued by Wednesday.
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All the best
Phil