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Video Game Industry Gets a D+

December 3, 2005

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The National Institute on Media and the Family says that after 10 years, the video game industry has gotten its cumulative grade up to D+.

The group's latest report card cites serious problems with the ratings system and lack of parental involvement; it commends a few responsible retailers and game console makers.

"There has been significant industry progress and reforms over the last decade, but ever more violent and sadistic games are still ending up in the hands of children," said Dr. David Walsh, Ph.D., president and founder of the National Institute on Media and the Family. Walsh said the ratings system badly needs improvement.

"Retailers need to stop selling violent video games to children, and lead all entertainment sectors by embracing a universal independent ratings system," he said.

"Two years ago, the Interactive Entertainment Merchant's Association promised the public they would enforce policies preventing the sale of M-rated video games to children under 17," Walsh added. "Unfortunately, they're not making good on that promise. Retailers would rather appear as if they care about children instead of actually taking small steps to protect them."

Other areas of special concern in the 10th Annual MediaWise Video Game Report Card include:

• a student survey that shows M- rated video games are more popular than ever; the widening gap between what kids do and what parents know;

• an update on the arcade industry's development, implementation and enforcement of its rating system; and

• the Annual MediaWise Video Game Report Card, which provides parents a list of recommended video games and games to avoid.

Ratings Summit

Despite 10 years of alerts and repeated calls for improvement, the Institute has concluded the ratings system is beyond repair.

The Institute will convene a Ratings Summit in 2006 to be held with leading parent, health and child welfare groups. The Institute is also calling for an Independent Universal Ratings System to replace the existing patchwork.

Retail Enforcement

This years' Institute's survey of retailers found that retailers were actually more lenient in their selling practices this year compared with last. The number of young girls able to buy M-rated video games without adult supervision skyrocketed.

The secret shopper survey found that boys as young as 9 were able to buy M-rated video games 42 percent of the time and girls were able to purchase M-rated games 46 percent of the time. Last year, girls were only able to purchase games 8 percent of the time.

One exception is Best Buy, which implemented its policy in 2005 and scored a perfect 100 percent in clerk enforcement in all of our sting efforts.

"Watch What Kids Watch"

Parents and children are on different planets when it comes to what parents think their children are playing, and the games they are actually playing. To this effort, the institute is renewing its "Watch What Your Kids Watch" PSA campaign in 2006, and expanding it beyond the 20 markets targeted in 2005.

Game Lists and Ratings

Parent Alert! Games to avoid for your children and teens:

1. Far Cry: M
2. F.E.A.R.: M
3. The Warriors: M
4. Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse: M
5. True Crime: New York City: M
6. Blitz: The League: M
7. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories: M
8. God of War: M
9. Doom 3: Resurrection of Evil: M
10. Urban Reign: T
11. Conker: Live and Reloaded: M
12. Resident Evil 4: M

MediaWise recommended games for children and teens:

1. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: E 10-plus
2. The Incredibles: Rise of the Underminer: E 10-plus
3. Peter Jackson's King Kong:T
4. Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap: E
5. Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe: T
6. Sly 3: Honor Amongst Thieves: E 10-plus
7. We Love Katamari: E
8. Sid Meier's Pirates!: E
9. Dance Dance Revolution ULTRAMIX3: E 10-plus
10. Backyard Baseball 2005: E

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