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ESRB Adds New Ratings System For Downloaded Games

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The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), the non-profit self-regulatory body for the video game industry, today announced a streamlined, no-cost service for assigning ratings to all digitally delivered games. ESRB’s new ‘Digital Rating Service’ utilizes a brief but detailed online questionnaire to assess not only a product’s content and age-appropriateness, but also interactive elements, including the sharing of personal information or physical location and exposure to unfiltered user-generated content. This newly streamlined service will first be put into use for downloadable games available from a number of computer and video game platforms including Xbox LIVE Arcade, PlayStation Network, PlayStation Vita, … Continue reading ESRB Adds New Ratings System For Downloaded Games →

News and Industry Happenings

In a 7-2 Decision, Supreme Court Strikes Down California Violent Video Game Law

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In what is likely to be hailed as one of the greatest legal victories for the game industry, the Supreme Court struck down the controversial California law that would have criminalized the sale of violent video games to minors. The 7 to 2 victory is a resounding win for the industry, which argued that the current voluntary ratings system created and maintained by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) was adequate protection, and in fact was more effective than the ratings in other industries, such as movies. Justice Antonin Scalia wrote for the majority opinion in the case. "As a … Continue reading In a 7-2 Decision, Supreme Court Strikes Down California Violent Video Game Law →