A Second Look on New York's Legislation Concerning Violent Games

As some already know, New York instituted a law which "apparently" made it impossible for those under 30 to buy a violent or sex related game. The confusion began due to a misread of the New York state legislature which states the following: shops "shall store and display such [violent] video games ... in a location designated for persons over the age of eighteen, in a manner which restricts access to such games." Access to a mandated "adult" video game section of stores will require customers to show ID unless the customer "reasonably" appears to be at least thirty years of age."

The guys at Joystiq felt that "some sort of clarification was in order." With their help, the exact content of New York's legislature concerning the matter was eventually clearly displayed for everyone's ability to understand.

So, there you have it. That's your confusion right there: "unless the customer 'reasonably' appears to be at least thirty years of age." While some read it carefully and understood its content, others read it maybe in a little more hurry and got the idea that you have to be thirty to be able to buy a game containing violent or sex related features.

There is no such thing as banning games for those under thirty. Who plays more games? Those above thirty or under thirty? So it isn't impossible for those who are less than thirty to buy such a game. They might just have to show some ID and if that checks out, the person is free to choose from any line of video games he or she prefers.

The system is similar to the ID check system found in most states to control tobacco and alcohol sales.