Siren silenced for minors at Tokyo Games Show

Sony Computer Entertainment has pledged support for the implementation of age restrictions in the Japanese entertainment industry by preventing minors from sampling its latest survival horror game.

Attendees at the Tokyo Games Show, which is open to the public on 17th-18th September, will be asked to provide proof of age such as passport, insurance card or driver's license before viewing Siren 2. Anyone unable to verify that they are aged 15 or over will not be allowed to see the game, which contains material SCE believes to be unsuitable for younger audiences.

Television advertising for the original Siren game had to be taken off air, following a flood of complaints from parents claiming that the images were scaring their children. The decision to restrict viewing of the sequel pre-empts any further complaints and potential legal backlash, in a period where videogame violence is once again the focus of much media attention.

Sony's decision seems particularly appropriate for this year's TGS, as one of the key stage events will focus on the impact of videogames on minors and a discussion of the Computer Entertainment Rating Organisation; the Japanese equivalent of the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

Siren 2, which has yet to receive an official age rating, is due for release on PS2 in Japan this Winter.