Gamers across the country have temporarily put down their Wiimotes and joysticks to arm themselves with pen and paper.
Recent legislation in Massachusetts and Arizona targeting video games has prompted a letter-writing campaign targeting state politicians. HB-1423, the first of the bills, aimed to criminalize the sale of violent video games to minors, equates Grand Theft Auto IV to a handle of alcohol.
This bill caused a furor on the internet, prompting strong responses by gamers and gaming communities such as G4. Even horror author Stephen King scoffed at the idea in his commentary article in Entertainment Weekly, saying, "There's a whole lot more to America's culture of violence than Resident Evil 4." The outcry was heard loud and clear, and Mass. lawmakers decided to table the bill for another year.
But while some could claim that Massachusetts' legislation is no different than banning children from seeing R-rated movies, HB-2660 out of Arizona had almost universal hatred from the start. This proposed law would not only target violent video games, but movies, music and television as well.
