EMA reaction to California violent games law being struck down

On Monday, the United States supreme court shot down a California law signed in 2005 by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger than banned the rental or sale of "violent video games" to minors. The law also mandated an age rating system, even though industry self-regulation already provides a rating system.

The Supreme Court decision (7-2) designates the content in video games to be protected free speech under the First Amendment to the United States constitution. The decision brings an end to the case that has dragged on for almost six years.

Bo Andersen, President & CEO, Entertainment Merchants Association, applauded the Supreme Court's decision in a statement issued by the trade group.

Story continues after the break.

"EMA welcomes today's Supreme Court ruling that found the California video game restriction law to be unconstitutional. We are gratified that our position that the law violates the First Amendment's guarantee of freedom of expression has been vindicated and there now can be no argument whether video games are entitled to the same protection as books, movies, music, and other expressive entertainment.



While we appreciate this victory in the court of law, it does not obviate the concern that parents may have about the appropriateness of some video games for their children. But, as the Court noted, the ESRB rating system for video games 'does much to ensure that minors cannot purchase seriously violent games on their own, and that parents who care about the matter can readily evaluate the games their children bring home'.

In addition, EMA and other entertainment retailing trade associations have declared this June to be Entertainment Ratings & Labeling Awareness Month, as we do annually. The purpose of Entertainment Ratings & Labeling Awareness Month is to promote ratings education and enforcement by retailers and increase parental awareness and use of the ratings."

See main news: Supreme Court halts California violent games law

Or ESA reaction: ESA reacts to Supreme Court decision on California violent game restrictions