View Full Version : UK Government Expressing Interest In Violent Game Tax
http://kotaku.com/5167919/uk-government-expressing-interest-in-violent-game-tax
How this would discourage people i don't know.
Games can have a impact as can all media but to put the main route of the problem to games and media is wrong.
So to tax people on this i think would be wrong as the young people playing theses games problerly don't pay for or buy the games in the first place as they have them bought by some one older who does not understand or take note of the age ratings.
It to me is just anther way for the goverment to try and get back some money that has been poorly spent.
What needs to happen in my opinon is a better educating system on why games have certain age ratings.
Discus agree or disagree.
ManiacFather
11-03-09, 11:00
So to tax people on this i think would be wrong as the young people playing theses games problerly don't pay for or buy the games in the first place as they have them bought by some one older who does not understand or take note of the age ratings.
Paying extra money is a good way to punish irresponsible parents, they should be very careful when buying interactive stuff for their kids.
thezombiemessia
11-03-09, 11:07
Paying extra money is a good way to punish irresponsible parents, they should be very careful when buying interactive stuff for their kids.
But what about the people that aren't being irresponsible?
Should I pay extra money every time I buy a mature game?
I agree with Spike, education is the best step to take.
Why it hasn't sunk in yet, I'll never understand...but the rating system is exactly the same as the film rating system. Why on earth parents see it as ok to let their kids play an 18 game, but not watch an 18 film is beyond me.
All games and entertainment stores should start handing out leaflets with this information, along with posters in and around the games area. Along with this, they should post the information on their websites, and the News channels need to start getting involved.
It's ridiculous how people ignore the age ratings on games.
But why should responsable people have to suffer?
This is just another way for the goverment to make money out of people to try and bring in more money to the economy to pay for their incompitence with the banking fiasco.:mad:
Nabil Mishima
11-03-09, 13:48
I agree with both spike and tzm.
If I bought a Zelda game, I won't run around with an elf get up.
If I misinterpret the thread, please correct me.
TZM is so right though. I was pondering the same thing! Parents will allow kids playing games of 18 and not allowed to watch films of 18.
I don't think that watching something that is violent causes a normal person to do the same thing, even a child (unless the child is really young). You'd have to be willing to be a bit...weird...in the first place, to do said thing.
So, to me, putting tax on games that don't make any difference to most people is just stupid.
thezombiemessia
11-03-09, 16:07
I don't think that watching something that is violent causes a normal person to do the same thing, even a child (unless the child is really young). You'd have to be willing to be a bit...weird...in the first place, to do said thing.
So, to me, putting tax on games that don't make any difference to most people is just stupid.
This is the point that many people miss and you've kind of noticed.
Media of all types does effect people (look at how people dress when they like certain music, or what they say when they like certain games or books or TV shows), but for it to effect somebody to the point where they are willing to copy it...this person is essentially disfunctional in the brain already.
People that are likely to harm others are also likely to latch on to 1 thing in particular, and will often copy that thing or use that thing as their reason or excuse, because to them it IS the reason.
However, these people could latch on to anything from My Little Pony to The Bible. Anything at all.
Once they've latched on to it, it becomes an obsession to the point where it overules anything and everything else in their lives.
To blame one specific media type is to completely ignore the 2 real issues:
1. The whole world needs much better mental health services, to deal with problems before they arise, and recognise problems as they arise.
2. The whole world needs a better system of education towards the media. Books, Films, TV, Magazines, Music, Games are not Children's Toys and should never be treated as such unless designed specifically for a child.
Nabil Mishima
11-03-09, 17:46
*Applause!* TZM knows his stuff!:D
Thanks tzm, I swear I learn something every time you post.:p
ManiacFather
11-03-09, 17:59
But why should responsable people have to suffer?
Because they enjoy playing violent games...
Because they enjoy playing violent games...
And whats wrong with that as long as they are responasable?
Why punish responsable people when it education thats needed to make other people responsable?
End of the day the TAX won't acomplish anything but line the goverments poor pockets.
Why pick on the gamer?
Nabil Mishima
11-03-09, 18:11
Spike, there are violent books aren't there? Why not pick on readers who read violent books?
Again sorry if my post is wrong, I find it hard to understand things.
Spike, there are violent books aren't there? Why not pick on readers who read violent books?
Again sorry if my post is wrong, I find it hard to understand things.
Yes all media can be violent.
I have read books more violent than any game i have played, but you use your imagination with books so you can make it as grusome and violent as you wan't with out it being cenerd.
Yes like i said in my first post all media can effect people in some ways but to be blamed as the saurce of the problem is wrong.
The industry is doing it's best in marking these games at a appropriate age rating but what goods that if little jonboys parents don't know why it's marked at 18.
Education is the simple solution, gaming is so mainstream in todays world.
The question is how do you go arround educating so many people on this subject in the most effective way?
Tax certainly isn't the answer.
Nabil Mishima
11-03-09, 18:33
So it brings to this: Why? Why is it games that they want to target? Like you rightfully said, all media can be violent.
One simple answer, Easy Money.
Thats if the bill ever goes through.
Nabil Mishima
11-03-09, 18:41
I suppose it's true.
Sky_Dragon
12-03-09, 08:40
Personally I think that they should go after the retail outlets. Something along the lines of how they do alcohol. If you don't check ID and get proof the person is over 18 then you can be hit, with both a fine to the company and to the employee that sells it. I know it would frustrate some but imagine being ID for games because the guy/girl behind the counter is worried if they don't they will have to pay a hefty fine. Then that would force kids to have to go through their parents to get hold of these games not just the good old "oh mum give me that £40 so I can get a game!". Then its purely in the parents ball park, and any reliability goes on them.
I totally disagree with this tax bill. As Spike said it's an easy way for the government to make money.
It once again shows that politicians can't even remotely understand the general public.
This tax bill won't even achieve its intended purpose to stop kids from getting a hold of the game.
I also disagree with TZM. While we as gamers know games don't have a negative effect on a majority of gamers we can't be blinkered because of our own personal attitude because our enjoyment of games - there is a vast difference between most media and games, as games are interactive, it's not as detached as other forms of media because of the immersion.