[Raya]

Debate rages in many quarters over whether or not restrictions should be placed on video games...and where? The concern is purportedly the violent nature of some games and the supposed resulting effect on children. But where does the control begin? In the home with the parents? In the industry itself (self-regulating)? Via rating assessments similar to those ratings provided for movies (and much more in depth than the current ESBN ratings, which, by the way were industry-imposed ratings)? Or does the government need to step in and mandate the control?

This last thought has people shivering in their boots...another government regulation, when many think that deregulation is in order. And what is considered too violent? Is it the wholesale slaughter of pixel fantasy creatures, such as orcs and monsters and animals and, yes, human warriors? Or is it something that shouts a need to be regulated? Like, for instance, the game called Dope Wars, which invites you, the player, to become the drug lord of your neighborhood and teaches you how to best treat your thugs and "ho's" to get maximum performance from them. Or Pimp Lords, the game that shows you how to build a business selling the favors of your ladies of the night (those are the polite terms). Granted these last two games are web-based and not sold over the counter, but the fact that they are available to children at all is sobering.

There does seem to be a problem. No one seems to know what the answer is. But many hope that it will not be necessary to get the government involved. Well, to the dismay of some, Illinois seems to be taking that first step in its state legislature, by not only introducing the governor's proposed video-game ban bill, but okaying it. And their solution is to lay the responsibility for carrying out their mandate (of not allowing violent games into the hands of children) on...the merchants!

Go here for the story at USATODAY.com. We invite your opinions. Do you think there is a problem? If so, what do you think the solution is...and do you approve or condemn this bill?