The European Parliament, in a stunning display of illogical thinking, has decided that what parents need to protect their children from MMOs is a "red button" to shut games down in the event of a crisis. Apparently computers in Europe don't have off switches and keep children trapped in front of the screen with big metal arms or something, because there's no way a parent could stop a kid playing a computer game before now, right?
"Parents should have a "red button" to disable a game they feel is inappropriate for their child," claims the EP Internal Market Committee. "Until PEGI online is up and running, the report proposes fitting consoles, computers or other game devices with a "red button" to give parents the chance to disable a game or control access at certain times."
This is akin to buying a brand new telephone just in case you get burgled and need to call the cops, even if you already have a phone. It seems like a rather arbitrary and useless idea. Still, considering how powerless parents seem to be when it comes to disciplining their little sh*tmunchers, they might need all the help they can get.
To be fair, the European Parliament is not being "anti-game," it's just being rather stupid. It recognizes that games can provide a whole host of benefits. It seems to me that the Euro Parliament just wanted to add something to make parents feel better, and this was the best placebo they could come up with.
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:
9:00 AM on 02.12.2009
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FAR MORE USEFUL
Alternatively, if they don't want their kids playing adult-rated games so much DON'T BUY THEM ADULT RATED GAMES.
Microsoft already has this on the 360, cable boxes have this feature, TVs have this feature, but the PC (out of the box anyway) does not.
While I don't agree alarmist legislation is the way to go, the software (or documentation) should be made available on how to use the features clearly. There's definitely some money to be made here.
But in retrospect, at least there are a few parents out there acting like they care for their children enough to want this 'red button' installed.
Soon it'll be something else, like a red button on the children themselves to turn them off if they are doing something the parents don't like.
- obviously know that the kid is playing the game
- most likely bought the game for the kid, and
- never bothered to research it themselves?
What a pathetic disgrace. George Carlin would have a field day with this one.
Seriously, how do people live this way?
Also, hiding controls in the top cupboard.
Parents just need to talk to their kids... Not have distant red buttons.
Red enough for ya
Gotta love idiots.
Holy Shit, that is classic.
<3
Also, as hilarious as the RROD is, it does probe a point, PANIC = THE FUCKING POWER BUTTON.
My thoughts exactly.
"REMOVE THE POWER CABLE" - they can't turn on the computer if they don't have the power cable.
Seriously, I have a mental image of a mother or father frantically punching the keyboard while their child stares at a screen, sreaming "turn it off, turn it off, where's the damn button, oh no, it's GOT HIM" while the grandparents cry in the background.
My young fella stepped outta line one too many times and now his ipod, computer and bike are all locked away. He gets picked up straight after school and made to stay in his room until homework is done then he has chores. Only then can he watch TV. He fuckin hates it and so he should, cos it will keep happening if he fucks up.