ESRB, ESA Add Commentary To Spitzer Speech

Following commentary earlier today from Bo Andersen, President of the Video Software Dealers Association, on New York State Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor Eliot Spitzer's recent comments regarding proposed video game legislation, major figures from the ESA and ESRB trade and rating groups have also added official statements, according to a report on website GamePolitics. Doug Lowenstein at the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), noted in his statement: "The (ESA) sincerely appreciates and respects the concerns of Attorney General Spitzer. A uniform rating system is a good idea in principle. But there are practical problems involved with applying the same standards to fundamentally different media that make realization of this ideal immensely challenging." He continued: "By imposing a 'one size fits all' formula on these widely divergent entertainment mediums, a universal ratings system could actually create confusion, not simplicity. We would also point out that any universal rating regime would require the support of many other industries... making this an issue that transcends whatever views ESA may have." In addition, President of the independent ESRB ratings board Patricia Vance commented: "ESRB ratings are clear as day on the front and back of virtually every video game sold nationwide, and they provide consumers with useful and easy to understand information with which to decide about whether they consider a game appropriate for their family. Consumer research shows that 74% of parents with children who play video games are regularly using the ESRB ratings." She ended her statement by noting: "We would be happy to provide information about our ratings to Mr. Spitzer, and hope we can find ways to cooperatively ensure that children play age-appropriate games, as we have done with other Attorneys General around the country."