US game retailers plan tougher rating enforcement
The Interactive Entertainment Merchant's Association, a US retail trade body which includes the majority of major game retailers in the country, has announced plans designed to prevent the sale of mature-rated games to minors.
The Interactive Entertainment Merchant's Association, a US retail trade body which includes the majority of major game retailers in the country, has announced plans designed to prevent the sale of mature-rated games to minors.
Under the new program, which the IEMA hopes to have implemented by next Christmas (2004), retailers would carry out a check of ID at point of sale locations for M-rated games, hopefully preventing their sale to minors under the age of 17.
The IEMA claims that its members account for around 85 per cent of all videogame sales in the USA, and includes chains such as Electronics Boutique, Blockbuster, CompUSA, Toys R Us and Wal-Mart. Prospective members of the group will now have to agree to implement the carding system before being allowed entry.
"This announcement is a great holiday gift to America's families," commented US senator Joe Lieberman, who has been involved in campaigns against violent videogames in the past. "Parents are working hard to raise their kids right, but they need help. That's why I have been pushing the retailers to make a full commitment to enforce the video game ratings."