You would think that implementing a parent-friendly app rating system that was blessed by both a video game watchdog group and a major wireless trade association would be the kind of thing that deserves a bit of fast-tracking, but there haven’t been many signs of progress in the nine months since the system was announced.
Well, that’s no longer the case — Verizon Wireless has just announced it… → Read More
The CTIA and ESRB pulled back the curtains on their new mobile app rating system today, and it looks like with the help of their six founding partners, app ratings could soon grace a smartphone near you.
The new app rating system will be implemented first by AT&T, Microsoft, Sprint, T-Mobile USA, U.S. Cellular, and Verizon Wireless, and other storefronts are said to have expressed interest. → Read More
Here’s something I’m sure no one expected to see today: the CTIA Wireless Trade Association has just issued a release stating that they have struck a partnership with the Entertainment Software Rating Board in order to start rating mobile applications. Yes, really.
The ESRB, if you’ve managed to avoid picking up a video game in the last decade or so, are the folks that decide how appropriate a… → Read More
One look at Grand Theft Auto 4 and you’re probably not thinking, “Little Timmy or Susie would just love that game.” No one wants their kids desensitized to reasonless mass murder or the dreaded F-bomb, and understandably so. Let the kids be kids.
Well it turns out if you own a Windows-powered phone, you now have access to the Entertainment Software Rating Board app, where you can check… → Read More
The Parents Television Council, parodied by WWE with its Right to Censor stable back in the day, says that 19 percent of kids between the ages of 12 and 16 are able to buy M-rated video games at stores. Shock! → Read More
Take Two Interactive is probably throwing an office party this week with the recent success of BioShock, but now the company has another reason to celebrate. Manhunt 2 has lost its “Adults Only” rating and has since garnered a “Mature” rating after some of the game’s contest was trimmed down to become less-violent. The hack-n-slash game is due out on Halloween this… → Read More
We’ll be keeping this story high on the front page for a bit simply because it contains such an excellent set of thought-provoking questions. – JB Today concludes our week-long look at video game violence and content. Originally we hoped to include comments from other voices, and efforts were made to hear from Florida Attorney Jack Thompson and Senator Joseph Lieberman. But neither… → Read More
Austin, TX
Seattle, WA
San Diego, CA
Menlo Park, CA
San Francisco, CA
Berlin, Germany
