Responses to the Minors Buying Video Games Case

The Supreme Court decision is out, but the issue still lingers. Many people feel strongly either way regarding the issue of whether minors should be able to buy violent video games, and their voices have carried long after the decision came out.

Those who agree (at least to some extent) with the decision:
Theresa B. Slusher, Cincinnati
Editorial from the Idaho Press Tribune

Mixed reactions:
Craig Anderson, ISU
Several other opinions

Those who feel that minors should in some way be restricted from buying them:
Alan Brownstein, UC Davis School of Law
Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput

How do you feel about the decision?

Supreme Court Rules California Video Game Law is Unconstitutional

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 7-2 in the Brown v. EMA (formerly Schwarzenegger v. EMA) case that a California law barring the sale of violent video games to minors was unconstitutional, saying that video games are a creative medium deserving of first amendment protection.

You can read the New York Times story, or check out the text of the complete decision (PDF).

Video Games Get Some Artistic Recognition

Because of a ruling by the U.S. National Endowment for the Arts, video games are now legally considered to be an art form. This step could give video game developers extra funding, although it's reportedly only available to art projects that "enhance the public good" and "those willing to make beautiful content and give it away for free."

It also comes as a welcome response to those who disagreed with Roger Ebert's controversial statement that "video games can never be art," along with the "Art of Video Games" exhibit that the Smithsonian is currently putting together for next year.

What is your take on the issue?

The Adventure of Links: December 2, 2010

BBC News Europe: "Spain outrage over migrant bombing game"

Spain's main opposition party has provoked howls of outrage for producing a video game which invites players to bomb illegal immigrants.

Wired Threat Level: "Xbox-Modding Judge Berates Prosecution, Puts Trial on Hold"

Opening statements in the first-of-its kind Xbox 360 criminal hacking trial were delayed here Wednesday after a federal judge unleashed a 30-minute tirade at prosecutors in open court, saying he had “serious concerns about the government’s case.”

University of Colorado Denver Newsroom: "Study shows employees learn best from video games"

Long derided as mere entertainment, new research now shows that organizations using video games to train employees end up with smarter, more motivated workers who learn more and forget less.

cnet Crave: "Does playing video games help reduce pain?"

According to a study from the American Pain Society, a multidisciplinary community of scientists and clinicians who work to reduce pain-related suffering, video games, and more specifically those that incorporate 3D virtual reality, could help reduce physical pain.

The Adventure of Links: November 16, 2010

A semi-regular round-up of interesting video game links from around the Interwebs:

Wired Science: "How Wii and Kinect Hack Into Your Emotions"

Nintendo’s Wii game console may owe some of its extraordinary success to emotions that are triggered by specific movements: It might essentially be using your body to hack into your brain.

New York Times Sports: "Image Rights vs. Free Speech in Video Game Suit"

A former college football player’s suit against Electronic Arts could decide when the right to control one’s image trumps the rights of others to use it.

Bloomberg Businessweek: "Video Games Not Harmful to Most Teens: Study"

Most teens who play video games don't fall into unhealthy behaviors, but an "addicted" minority may be more likely to smoke, use drugs, fight or become depressed, a new Yale University study suggests.  

Supreme Court Considers Violent Video Game Law

Today the US Supreme Court hears arguments regarding AB 1179, the California bill restricting the sale and rental of violent video games to minors.

NPR has the story: "Calif. Pushes To Uphold Ban On Violent Video Games"