Congressman Joe Baca last week introduced the "Video Game Health Labeling Act of 2009," legislation that would put the following message on eligible games packages:
“WARNING: Excessive exposure to violent video games and other violent media has been linked to aggressive behavior.”
Teen-rated games, according to the U.S.-based Entertainment Software Rating Board, are appropriate for those age 13 and up. Mature-rated games are intended for those 17 and up.
"T"-rated games often contain content such as mild language, crude humor, sexual themes and also violence. The types of games that have earned a T-rating run the gamut of genres, from The Sims 3 and SingStar Queen to Street Fighter IV and Heroes of Might and Magic V.
Baca said in a statement, “The videogame industry has a responsibility to parents, families and to consumers – to inform them of the potentially damaging content that is often found in their products.
“They have repeatedly failed to live up to this responsibility. Meanwhile research continues to show a proven link between playing violent games and increased aggression in young people. American families deserve to know the truth about these potentially dangerous products.”
While Baca referred to research from various prominent universities that allegedly claim a link between aggression and violent games, no court has yet to acknowledge a connection between games and real-world violence--a hurdle that has led to the dismissal of several attempts at videogame legislation.
The politician said "we must hold the videogame industry accountable" in order to protect parents and children from the supposed ill effects of mature gaming.