Many, if not all, Australian gamers reading this would be aware of Attorney General Michael Atkinson's highly publicized stance on an R18+ rating for videogames. His views are currently blocking the introduction of an adults only rating for games in Australia.
Atkinson appears to be prepared to back up his stance and debate with gamers in a public forum. The letter below was published in the Adelaide Advertiser of Tuesday.
Face the real world
A Queensland letter writer (The Advertiser, 7/3/09) claims that democracy is at an end because I, as Attorney-General, will not agree to an R18+ category for interactive computer games; that "every other state AG is against him"; and the only way to bring back democracy is to vote me out at the next election. It is true that I am opposed to an R18+ category for interactive games, but I am one of at least four Attorneys so opposed.
I welcome a challenge in my electorate of Croydon at the next general election on this issue.
Among my constituents are hundreds of refugees who are trying to find lodgings for the family, gain employment and sponsor relatives from the old country.
Their vote is hardly likely to hinge on the "right" to score gamer points on the computer screen by running down and killing pedestrians on the pavement, raping a mother and her two daughters, blowing onself up in a market, cutting people in half with large calibre shells, injecting drugs to win an athletics event or killing a prostitute to recover the fee one just paid her (Welcome to the world of R18+ computer games).
Those of my constituents who are refugees have been subjected to the practical instead of the virtual suffering that R18+ nerds seek to inflict for their gratification on the computer screen.
MICHAEL ATKINSON,
Attorney-General, Adelaide.
57-year-old gamer Terry O'Shanassy responded to the views of Atkinson which can be seen here. He makes some very strong & relatible points, pushing the idea that the average gamer is an adult, and makes an interesting argument in stating that "it is fundamentally and profoundly WRONG to suggest that not having an R18+ classification for games 'protects' children".
Atkinson then responded to O'Shanassy via an email to Kotaku Australia which can be seen here. He side steeps at lot of the issues that Mr O'Shanassy made by discussing when he was reelected on several occasions more than the actual R18+ debate. Still it's good to see he's up for the challenge.
Submitted by ICC_06
13/03/2009
172
5
Join MyDS to vote for your favourite story!
More Info:
MyDS Miscellaneous
Related News:
Related Reviews:
Related Videos:
-
![[NC US] Nintendo Week 10/26 - Part 1](img/video/R9EGBSWP.jpg)
[NC US] Nintendo Week 10/26 - Part 1
-
![[NC US] Nintendo Week 10/26 - Part 2](img/video/BT4PLYWG.jpg)
[NC US] Nintendo Week 10/26 - Part 2
-
Squeeballs Party (Eiconic Games, 2009) Nintendo DS
-
Pokemon Gold & Silver Trailer
-
Pokemon Blue & Red Trailer
-
Nintendo DS Commercial feat B.o.B music "Created A Monster"
Related Guides: