Germany Wants EU to Ban Violent Games

FredDC writes "Germany is seeking support among other European countries to ban violent videogames during its EU Presidency, according to Infoworld. In an initiative led by Franco Frattini, the European Justice commissioner, Germany is pushing for restrictions on the sale of games with violent content of any kind, from Half-Life to Star Trek . In the eyes of the EU, gaming and real-world violence is 'linked', and steps should be taken to prevent the purchase of these games by younger people. From the article: 'The German government said it will conduct a study of all the different national rules concerning video games, with a view to setting Union-wide norms. Its initiative makes the prospect of a ban much more likely. Video game violence became a hot political issue in Germany at the end of last year when 18-year-old Sebastian Bosse shot up a high school in Emsdetten, Germany, injuring 37 before fatally turning the gun on himself. Police said Bosse spent most of his waking hours playing Counter-Strike.'" This, just days after two Final Fantasy VII fans were arrested in connection with a series of killings.

Re:Wrong again...

[RichPowers]

But...but...an accurate headline would make fewer people click on it! I can't fathom this!

Re:Leave us alone

[Anonymous Coward]

Christ, first WWII and now this. Why does Germany hate the rest of Europe so?

You've obviously never been to France.

Re:Wrong again...

[HTH NE1]

You say that now, but when there's a rash of punks smashing down walls, don't think they'll start banning the sale of games glorifying property destruction like Tetris!

Exchange Student

[the dark hero]

I remember the German exchange student in my highschool years relating a story to me that fist fights and such outward violence is viewed as idiocy. He told me they tend to resolve conflicts verbally. Sure, they might swear at each other, but rarely does anyone resort to violence. He also played tons of GTA and said he did enjoy videogames. The guy woldn't hurt a fly. He was one of the coolest, most laid back people i've ever met, but the pot might've had something to do with that.

One thing in common

[The_DoubleU]

Germany has had a few kids going nuts and in every case there was something in common. The person in question owned 'violent' video games. So it is very easy to ban video games.
But they forgot another thing all cases had in common, every person was attending high-shool of some sort of education. So my conclusion is to ban education and no more school shootings.

This give the kids also more time to play video games.

Re:And they're right!

[T_ConX]

I heard Dick Cheney was a real Duck Hunt nut in the 80's... but he wasn't very good at it.