For those of you who haven’t yet caught episode two of Byteside, last week’s games show tackled the whole R18+ rating debate. What made the discussion really worth mentioning however was the inclusion on the panel of Paul Hunt, former Deputy Director of the OFLC. You know, the guys who actually ban games.
While you should definitely watch the entire show over at Byteside’s website, this clip is one of the better discussions on the topic I’ve heard/seen/read/been a part of. Especially to know how awkward a position we are here in Australia. Check it out.
[Byteside]
Water Bear
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 3:44 PMAh Australia, where even the most important fora are conducted with beer in hand.
iNoob
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 4:18 PMGood vid
One thing, when i was in retail i would never sell a game, with a M or MA15+ rating, to a kid under 15 years old with out his/her parent there and explained to the parent what the game was and why they should perhaps not by it for their child.
More then a few times i would have a parent come in, after i had refused to sell their child a game, and, not abuse, but have a go at me as to why i did not sell their child a game. I would then explain to them as to why i did not sell it to the kid and most would accept.
Parents need to be educated and educate themselves about what to buy and not buy.
Another point as said in the video we trust people to sell alcohol and smokes to people over 18. As would be the same with an R18+ rating with games. There needs to be, and i am sure there would be, the same penalties for selling a R18+ game to kids as selling a pack of smokes or a six pack. This maybe harsh but, i think, fair.
Matti Martin
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 5:10 PMInteresting. P.s., your homescreen refreshes before the video has time to end.
glennc
Wednesday, October 7, 2009 at 5:33 PMthe thing that really bugs me is he is missing the point completely. it actually puts the games in minors hands by forcing 99% of games R18 to be classified as MA15, and 1% get banned/changed & reissued. he thinks he is stopping it, yet he is making it worse. we have to wait for the idiot to die basically, then we can move forward with the rest of the world.
i hate idiots (i know it isn’t their fault but i still hate ‘em)
Sam
Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 8:29 AMArgh, page refresh (what’s it even there for?) means I can’t watch the video in one sitting. Very interesting stuff though (what I’ve seen of it anyway)