New York Governor David Paterson has recently signed a law that requires clearer labeling of videogames sold or rented in New York. The New York chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) may respond with a lawsuit challenging the act on constitutional grounds. At least 12 other states courts have struck down similar laws as unlawfully infringing on First Amendment rights to free expression.
The law mandates that within two years, all new game consoles sold in New York must have parent-controlled V-chip type technology, used as a lockout feature. The legislation also establishes an advisory council to assess game ratings issued by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, a voluntary ratings group for the home game industry, and to educate the public on games' potential influence on children's behavior.
Separately, the New York chapter of the Amusement and Music Owners Association reports a bill to repeal the law banning free and/or extra games and balls on coin-op amusement devices should reached the governor's desk as of press time. Legal counsel for the AMOA-NY has alerted the governor's office that the new videogame content law has no impact on commercially operated coin-op devices.
Will you be visiting the InterGame Expo?
- 13 - 16 January, 2009
IMA - Germany - 27 - 29 January, 2009
International Gaming Expo - UK - 11 - 13 February, 2009
EAAPA - Russia - 17 - 19 February, 2009
Gaming Expo Belgrade - Serbia - 03 - 04 March, 2009
AmEx 2009 - Dublin - Ireland - 11 - 13 March, 2009
ASI - Las Vegas, USA
