Operators of gaming centers would have to write and file a policy on how they enforce game ratings at their establishments when applying for a business license, under an ordinance being considered by a Detroit suburb.
The owner of a Rochester Hills, Mich. gaming center - the Game Over Lounge (pictured) - isn't too thrilled by the requirement, as you can imagine. Not that he has no enforcement, but he's found that providing assurances to parents - permission slips for under 17 gamers, webcams that allow them to check on their kids remotely, and lists for each child describing what games they are allowed to play - does more for his business than filing more paperwork with the city.
"They basically want to take the rights from parents," said the owner, Constantine Carstea. The mom of Game Over regular agrees and thinks the council should spike it.
Carstea's operating under a temporary license until April 30, and feels the ordinance targets him specifically as there's no other business of the kind in Rochester Hills.
It's a local government issue, and one not anywhere close to what the Supreme Court's considering in its Fall term. But I think it does show that governments of all shapes and sizes will probably always view games as a threat, and will always seek to exert some control over them.
New Ordinance Focuses On Video Games [Click On Detroit via Game Politics]