Common Sense Media joins Manhunt 2 protests
Common Sense Media, an organization that reviews games for the benefit of parents and guardians, has joined the protests against the ESRB decision to give Manhunt 2 (PSP, Wii) an M rating. Their protests echoes those of Leland Yee, senator of California who recently demanded that ESRB reveal their reasons for giving the game its new rating.
Common Sense Media CEO and founder James Steyer gave a statement summarizing the already popular issues surrounding the violence of Manhunt 2, then directly threatens to undermine the ESRB if they don’t provide the reasons for overturning the rating. Steyer’s demands are the same as Yee’s:
It is clear that by lowering the rating, the ESRB has all but ensured that the game will be marketed and sold through channels popular with kids and teens – and, despite industry claims to the contrary, kids under 17 can and do purchase M-rated games. Before Manhunt 2 is released for sale, parents deserve an explanation – they need to know the facts about this grossly violent game before it goes on the market.
By failing to explain their decision and, in turn, provide the transparency that consumers need if they are to trust the ESRBÂ’s ratings, the board threatens to undermine a ratings system that has many positive aspects and that could serve as an important tool for parents.
The statement seems to be directly in contrast to the ESRB’s previous statement stating their position on the matter, suggesting that it may indeed be a direct challenge:
Publishers submit game content to the ESRB on a confidential basis. It is simply not our place to reveal specific details about the content we have reviewed, particularly when it involves a product yet to be released…
It is a parent’s rightful place to make choices for their own children. The ESRB and console manufacturers provide families with the tools and information to help them do so.
Common Sense Media launched a video game education campaign back in May with Best Buy. The campaign’s goal is to inform parents about the games they buy for their kids on Best Buy’s website. Will the protests present more problems for Manhunt 2 before its release on October 31? Updates as we get them.
Common Sense Media, an organization that reviews games for the benefit of parents and guardians, has joined the protests against the ESRB decision to give Manhunt 2 (PSP, Wii) an M rating. Their protests echoes those of Leland Yee, senator of California who recently demanded that ESRB reveal their reasons for giving the game its new rating.
Common Sense Media CEO and founder James Steyer gave a statement summarizing the already popular issues surrounding the violence of Manhunt 2, then directly threatens to undermine the ESRB if they don’t provide the reasons for overturning the rating. Steyer’s demands are the same as Yee’s:
It is clear that by lowering the rating, the ESRB has all but ensured that the game will be marketed and sold through channels popular with kids and teens – and, despite industry claims to the contrary, kids under 17 can and do purchase M-rated games. Before Manhunt 2 is released for sale, parents deserve an explanation – they need to know the facts about this grossly violent game before it goes on the market.
By failing to explain their decision and, in turn, provide the transparency that consumers need if they are to trust the ESRBÂ’s ratings, the board threatens to undermine a ratings system that has many positive aspects and that could serve as an important tool for parents.
The statement seems to be directly in contrast to the ESRB’s previous statement stating their position on the matter, suggesting that it may indeed be a direct challenge:
Publishers submit game content to the ESRB on a confidential basis. It is simply not our place to reveal specific details about the content we have reviewed, particularly when it involves a product yet to be released…
It is a parent’s rightful place to make choices for their own children. The ESRB and console manufacturers provide families with the tools and information to help them do so.
Common Sense Media launched a video game education campaign back in May with Best Buy. The campaign’s goal is to inform parents about the games they buy for their kids on Best Buy’s website. Will the protests present more problems for Manhunt 2 before its release on October 31? Updates as we get them.
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