Many parents, like most people, are stupid and don't understand many things about the real world. In a bid to help them figure out what's best for them and their kids so they don't have to, the British Board of Film Classification has launched a new Web site.
Parents BBFC is aimed at educating the drooling public as what the age ratings mean and what content may or may not be suitable for their slightly less intellectual offspring. Of course, one can question the authority of a ratings board that refuses to give ratings if it doesn't like the content it's looking at ... but I won't mention the organization's unprofessional handling of Manhunt 2 again. I will say it was unprofessional though.
Cynicism aside, this is something I actually approve of, since I've said many times that education, not regulation, is the way to deal with questionable content in our entertainment media. If we can stop parents being such reactionary crusaders every time their parasitic sprog sees a bit of fake blood in a videogame, we might not have half the 'controversy' that goes on in this industry.
Remember -- it's very obvious that children will play adult videogames. What doesn't seem to be obvious, however, is that they can only do it if parents let them. Sites like this are needed because people are simply ignorant. Now the morons can search for games and movies through this site to see if they're comfortable with what Little Bobby Crappypants is playing with his friends. Good show.
Jim Sterling serves as reviews editor for Destructoid.com, head of the Podtoid podcast, and produces a number of news stories, original features, one-of-a-kind videos. With his passionate argumentative style, controversial opinions, harsh delivery, and dedication to brutal honesty Sterling is a name that you can't help but recognize.
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Contest:
7:36 PM on 10.01.2007
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cant win em all i guess
It depends. I feel it's the parents job -- and NOBODY else's -- to define what is right and wrong with videogames.
That is one bitchin' controller design. It's like a mix of Playstation & Xbox-- the only difference is the X & Y buttons are replaced with C & D-- oh, how creative they are!
Wesman: You damn right it is.
Can I call you out on something Jim? Thanks, I know you don't mind.
You said Many parents, like most people, are stupid and don't understand many things about the real world.
and then in the comments say
I feel it's the parents job -- and NOBODY else's -- to define what is right and wrong with videogames.
Wriggle out of that and you will win yourself an internet cookie.
It is the parent's job to define what is right and wrong for their child. Whether they do a GOOD job or not is another point entirely.
That was so easy, I don't deserve the cookie.
On a slightly unrelated note, I find it quite disconcerting that most of the smartest people I know feel the same way about kids - they either don't want them, or don't want them until much later in life, and then they only want one.
Why are the slobbering imbeciles the ones who breed en masse?
You answered your own question... "slobbering imbeciles"... ;)
Jim, I think you should have a cookie just for the hell of it. Go ahead - eat a cookie. Go on, it's OK. Nobody's watching. Go! I SAID EAT A GODDAMN COOKIE! Mmm... sacrelicious....
Lets all face facts here, a large chunk of the parentals of gamers these days really don't swear what their children are playing because they are the more realistic parents. To assume video games that are rated high on the ranks will damage a child is pointless. They will all learn eventually. Life isn't lollipops and rainbows, it's goombas and a large legion of hammer bros.(I'm sure my point came across)
Well played Mr.Sterling
- BTW, I DID eat a cookie!
Or something like that.
I just hope I can be an ignorant father when I grow up.
I was wanting to provoke a huge philosophical diatribe from you, my day is now spoiled.
Also TRIPLE POST!