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HR 5990 and S 3315, the Video Games Rating Enforcement Act, is another Congressional attempt to unconstitutionally regulate the sale of video games. If it’s passed, the federal courts will find it unconstitutional – and at great expense to taxpayers.

By raising our voices now, we can let Congress know that we, as taxpayers and constituents, would rather they use their time and our money to discuss more pressing issues such as the war in Iraq, universal healthcare and the national economy.

Act Now!

Simply read the letter below, fill in the form to the right, then click the Send This Message button and your letter will be emailed to your Representative and Senator in Congress.

February 09, 2010

Subject:

Dear Congressman,

As a constituent and active video game player, I’m asking you to support my right to access and buy the games I want.  I urge you not to support the Video Games Rating Enforcement Act, HB5990/S3315.

While I agree that we want to keep some games out of the hands of minors, government restricting video game sales is not necessary.  In their recent report, the Federal Trade Commission has found that retailer enforcement of game ratings has outpaced that of movies and music.  Video game retailers are committed to keeping M-rated games out of the hands of children.  Year after year retailers continue to increase their enforcement of game ratings and put video games ahead of other media in self-regulating mature content.  Most gamers are adults, with the average age being 35 years old.  In fact, the largest segment of gamers falls in the politically coveted, and increasingly vocal, 18-45 age bracket, most of who grew up playing video games.

The video game industry already does a great job of self regulation through the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).  If children are playing ‘M’ (for mature) rated games, they’re getting them from their parents, 86% of which are already involved in their family’s game purchases and rentals according to the same FTC report.  The Entertainment Consumers Association, the American consumer group representing video game players, supports parental empowerment and the ESRB efforts to educate parents on the ratings system.

At the same time, federal courts have routinely held that government regulation of video games is unconstitutional.  Passing these kinds of bills, which then get fought out in court, cost taxpayers like me millions of dollars.  I’d rather see my tax dollars being spent on other things, like building safe bridges and ensuring that our country is kept safe from terrorists.

It is in your power to stop HR5990/S3315, and I ask that you represent me, your constituent, by doing so.  If you have any questions on this or other similar issues please contact Jennifer Mercurio, the Entertainment Consumers Association’s Director of Government Affairs, at jenn@theeca.com.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

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