Today's Dose of Awesome has a little bit more serious tone. The violent video games debate continues to rage with many governments, particularly in Europe, considering the implementation of bans on the sale of violent video games. Switzerland is in the process of implementing a ban while Germany was on the verge of bringing in a ban.
German gamers and fans across the world can now breathe a sigh of relief though as the proposed German ban on the production and distribution of violent video games has been squashed. GamePolitics.com reported that a German petition managed to secure the signatures of 73,000 people in opposition to the proposed ban. In the face of so much opposition and calls for greater education on the current rating system, Dr. Herman Kues, the Parliament State Secretary, announced that no changes would be made in regards to the production and distribution of violent video games. The German government will instead do what is regarded by many as the right thing and push for greater education program on the current PEGI rating system so parents know what their children are playing and buying.
While game companies like Electronic Arts are understandably happy, EA's Jens Uwe told GameIndustry.biz , “The German decision is a very welcome step as we encourage policy makers to better understand the reality of today's video game market and give games the same respect as books, films or music.” Gamers across the world should also be happy. The ban on the production of violent video games would have caused German based developer Crytek to relocate its central studios. Such a move could have had adverse effects on what is arguably one of the best developers in the world — see Crysis.
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