Resources: Violent Video Games

The ELCA, in concert with other faith-based investors, raise concerns with corporations about the inappropriate marketing of violent video games to youth.

The ELCA is working with the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) to encourage retailers, game developers, and marketers of violent video games to follow and implement any internal codes and those developed by the interactive game industry and the entertainment ratings board to keep games with graphic violence and strong sexual content out of the hands of youth.

Member organizations of the ICCR are concerned that video games with extreme violence are being promoted and sold to children and adolescents. While these games are labeled for “mature-rated audiences” ages 17 and older by the industry ratings board, retailers are not sufficiently enforcing industry-created standards to limit access to violent video to minors.

For more information about the ELCA's involvement in this issue, please explore the resources listed below.

Joint statement from groups concerned about video game violence
Current news regarding ICCR action related to video games
See the ICCR's list of Ten Most Violent Video Games

Mystery Shoppers
Research suggests that children playing violent video games does indeed increase aggressive thoughts, feelings and actions. Most major retailers claim that they have policies in place to prevent minors from purchasing "Mature"-rated violent video games, and that they train their employees and use mystery shoppers to verify enforcement. The New York City Council has done a Mystery Shopper study of its own that suggests otherwise.

We are part of an interfaith group conducting a survey of our own and could use your help. To find out how you can participate and to request a survey with instructions, please contact Patty Ruffner at (412) 367-7575.

National Institute on Media and the Family 2006 video game report card

Violence and Militarism in Society
A new, featured campaign from the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility

• More about the campaign
   

• Download a PDF flyer about the campaign