ESRB Rating Might Be Needed for All Video Game Sales

Jim Matheson, a Democratic representative from Utah, wants all video games that go on sale to bear a stamp from the Electronic Software Ratings Board.

This means that it would be illegal to launch a game without a review of its content.

It’s not clear whether the new bill would affect all titles on the market or just those who are offered via physical means.

Indies might be the most affected, but they have a special ESRB procedure designed to allow them to get a rating with minimal costs.

This is the second bill that targets the video game industry after an initiative that aims to add a tax to violent video games, which has been poorly received.

President Obama has already announced that it will ask Congress to fund research by the Center for Disease Control into the relationship between games and violence.