Evil publisher Activision has today provided yet more proof that the videogame industry is doing more than its fair share to protect children from violent videogames, with a whopping 82% of parents interviewed stating that they are aware of the ESRB age rating system.
70% of parents pay strict attention to the ratings, while 63% of parents with gaming kids also consider themselves gamers. Of the parents aged 35 or younger, 83% believe that they are gamers. 52% of gamer parents spend time playing with their children.
Of course, this won't stop idiots and so-called journalists screaming that the videogame industry is irresponsible and dangerous, but at least we know the actual truth of the matter, right? Screw everybody else.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan 14, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX News Network/ -- According to a national survey released today by The Harrison Group and Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI), 82% of parents and 75% of children who play games are familiar with ESRB ratings system.
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Additionally, 63% of parents with children who play games consider themselves gamers with the number increasing to 83% for parents ages 35 and younger, and 70% of parents pay close attention to the ratings when purchasing a game for themselves or their families.
The survey was conducted by The Harrison Group as part of Activision's "Ratings Are Not a Game(R)" educational initiative and focused on the awareness and influence of the ESRB rating system on both children and their parents.
Other key survey findings include:
Gamers devote 32% of their leisure time to entertainment with video games accounting for the largest share - approximately 19%.
76% of parents agree that video games are a part of their family's life, and are something they're very comfortable with.
Among parent gamers, 52% of their video gaming playing time is spent with their children.
Approximately 62% of parents conduct research before purchasing a video game that their child wants.
"Parents rely on and value the ESRB ratings in helping them decide which games to allow their children to play," said Mike Griffith, President and CEO of Activision Publishing. "Our 'Ratings Are Not A Game' education initiative underscores our commitment to helping parents better understand and utilize the ratings system as they select age appropriate games and determine the best way for the entire family to enjoy the gaming experience."
Activision's "Ratings Are Not A Game" educational initiative focuses on educating consumers about the ESRB's rating system and helping parents make informed decisions about the video games their families play. The company recently partnered with Dr. Cheryl Olson, co-director for the Center for Mental Health and Media at Massachusetts General Hospital, to produce a series of videos that help parents optimize children's experiences with video games. These videos, as well as additional resources for parents are available at www.activision.com/RatingsAreNotAGame.
Methodology
For the Activision ESRB ratings survey, 1,201 online interviews were conducted among a nationally-representative group of video game players ages 6 to 44 and their parents. The research was conducted by the Harrison Group, a strategic marketing consulting and research services firm (www.harrisongroupinc.com).
Contest:
11:40 AM on 01.14.2010
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I would seriously hope that the 44 year-old gamers surveyed don't need to get permission from their 70+ year-old parents when buying M-Rated games. But who knows.
I would seriously hope that the 44 year-old gamers surveyed don't need to get permission from their 70+ year-old parents when buying M-Rated games. But who knows.
this may be the best comment ever written.
Just because people know of something, doesn't necessarily mean they understand it.
ONLINE INTERACTIONS NOT RATED BY THE ESRB
They can only do so much, you know? Lego Rock Band doesn't even have online play because I'm sure they didn't want the little kiddies exposed to a-holes like this.
I'm a parent and a gamer. My son's only 3, but he really likes Left 4 Dead 2 (every time I play, he's all GRABBIN A SHOT GRABBIN A SHOT). Kids today are going to be desensitized to pretty much everything, but as a parent, I know better than to play something like Leisure Suit Larry in front of him (not that I'd ever play that, but you know what I mean).
Raise your kids right, and they'll know the difference between right or wrong. Don't let your 12-year-old play GTA4. Let him play the Incredible Hulk. There's just as much violence, but it's not nearly as graphic. :p
I forgot about that *face palm* it says that EVERY TIME you start a game, duh?! DX
Dumb me.
But yes you are right about how kids are being exposed to a lot of violence these days. Especially in commercials. I mean a lot of commercials, even for the smallest products, like body lotion or some hair gel is very...<i>sexually intimate</i> and I think that's kinda...too much. Don't you agree?
Lego Rock Band doesn't have online? o__O
But you sound like a cool parent. Keep it up! :) I wish my dad played my games with me.
Explain this absurdly generalised statement for me;
"For instance, do parents recognize that an M rated game is as severe as letting their child watch a rated R movie?"
Because playing mass effect is as severe as watching porn?! Do come again!
@Joshua
Along the same lines, I'm not criticising anything really but the general attitude as expressed by; I'll let my 3 year old play L4D2 but not show him leisure suit larry, makes little to no sense. The entire sex is worse than violence thing is getting a little old (unless of course your on about the entire lack of morals and the objectification of women as presented by the game, then well, I retract my statement, as it's totally fair that you teach your kid to survive in a zombie apocalypse, and to not treat women as objects purely to be lusted over).