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Venezuela Gets Tough on Virtual Violence; Real Violence Next

By Chris Bennett, Tudor Carsten, Michael R. Coburn, Sarah Dale-Harris, Pablo Guzman, Danielle (Dani) Lemon, Chris Metcalfe and David Spratley

Venezuelan lawmakers have taken the first steps towards banning video games deemed excessively violent, in an attempt to reduce actual violence in the country. Reuters reports that a bill banning sales of violent video games passed a first vote in the National Assembly recently, but must still pass a second vote and be signed into law by President Chavez before it takes effect. It is not clear when a second vote would take place.

Legislators are hoping that a reduction in violent video games sales will translate into a reduction in the epidemic of violent crime throughout Venezuela. It is not known what percentage of violent criminals in Venezuela also play video games.

If passed, Venezuela would join countries such as China, Japan and neighbouring Brazil in banning the sale of games on the basis of content. Similar attempts have been made by various US states, although all have been struck down by the courts.

The Reuters report is available here.

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Full post as published by Video Game Law Blog on September 01, 2009 (boomark / email).