Violent video games in Venezuela are about to become illegal, depending on content, according to a new law that has the approval of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. The video game controversy stems from concerns about real-life violence in the country. According to legislators who passed the law, video games and violence feed into real life assault, rape, and murder, such that violent computer games need to be eliminated.
Video Game Controversy in Venezuela
Venezuela has a population roughly the size of the state of Texas in the U.S., but a murder rate that is five times higher. As violence in the country has reached epidemic proportions, finger-pointing has increased, with violent computer games the latest target of blame. While some parents and media critics support the new law, which bans any video or computer software that simulates war or involves the user shooting a gun, others decry what they call the scapegoating of the video game industry as a smoke screen for President Hugo Chavez's inability to maintain control over civil society and a possible breakdown in social order.
In 2005, the Chavez administration stopped releasing nationwide murder rate statistics. Critics charge that the withholding of statistics reflects sharp rises in killings, and that Chavez is hiding the true numbers in an effort to mask the failure of domestic policy. Opponents of the Chavez administration claim that more than 100,000 people have been murdered in Venezuela since Chavez assumed power in 1999. Supporters claim the numbers are exaggerated as anti-incumbent political propaganda.
Violent Computer Games and Venezuela
While few research studies link the use of aggressively violent video games with real-life violence, the gaming ban charges that violent computer games may contribute to the problems faced in Venezuela surrounding brutal actions and murders. The following countries ban specific violent computer games but do not have a blanket ban: Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Venezuela's ban is unique, in that most countries create rating systems that restrict access to more violent or sexually graphic software.
Video Games and Violence
The ban gives the power to determine which video games violate the law to Venezuela's consumer protection commission. Anyone who sells or distributes a game that violates the law could face up to five years in prison and fines over $100,000.
In addition to the ban, the Venezuelan government seeks to mandate crime prevention courses in public schools and require the media to incorporate anti-violent-game messages into broadcasts and publications. Another portion of the law requires the Venezuelan government to promote alternative games that help to promote government-approved values in an effort to curb video games and violence in Venezuela.
Melanie Zoltan - Melanie Zoltan is a former college professor and administrator who has written for About.com, PCWorld, Brain Child, Thomson Gale, and ...
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