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Following the video games industry’s key legal victory in the US yesterday, American trade body the ESA has celebrated the very important decision.
This is a historic and complete win for the First Amendment and the creative freedom of artists and storytellers everywhere," a statement from president and CEO Michael Gallagher released to Industry Gamers explains.
"Today, the Supreme Court affirmed what we have always known – that free speech protections apply every bit as much to video games as they do to other forms of creative expression like books, movies and music. The Court declared forcefully that content-based restrictions on games are unconstitutional; and that parents, not government bureaucrats, have the right to decide what is appropriate for their children.
"We are very gratified that our arguments – and those of over 180 other groups and individuals from across the ideological spectrum – were heard in this case. The Court has now definitively held that legislative attempts to restrict video game content will be struck down.
It is time for elected officials to stop wasting time and public funds seeking unconstitutional restrictions on video games. Instead, we invite them to join with us to raise awareness and use of the highly effective tools that already exist to help that parents choose games suitable for their children.
Fellow regulator the ESRB was also enthused, with president Patricia Vance adding:
ESRB welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision in this case, especially given its validation of the ESRB rating system as an effective and reliable tool that parents use to decide which video games are appropriate for their children and family.
"Today’s decision acknowledges the value and effectiveness of the ESRB rating system, the Federal Trade Commission’s positive assessment of our self-regulatory regime, and the latest research showing that game retailers overwhelmingly enforce their voluntary store policies regarding the sale of Mature-rated games.
"In striking this law the Court has made clear that the video game industry effectively empowers parents to be the ones to decide which games are right for their children."
