German game Banning?

[Yukimura]

Hey all, i was going through the archives from a while back and noticed a few stories about a proposed german game law and some reactions to it.

http://gamepolitics.com/2006/12/06/in-wake-of-rampage-german-minister-wants-jail-time-for-violent-game-creators-and-distributors/

http://gamepolitics.com/2006/12/07/far-cry-developer-threatens-to-leave-germany-if-game-violence-law-passes/

So, the question I have is this, has there been any activity on this supposed law since this time or was it all just bluster and bluff. Anyone heard anything?

[ZippyDSMlee]

where did weatherlight run off to he would know, hanna ne might know to.

[KingPenguin]

Well, a quick google search shows nothing beyond Germany "may" ban violent video games. They've been pretty restrictive on games even beyond just the "no swastikas" rule, but it doesn't appear this ever amounted to anything. Joystiq reported today that Germany is restricting the violence (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/age-of-conans-violence-toned-down-for-germany/) in the Age of Conan game.

[Pominator]

Wasn't Dead Rising banned in Germany, my sister is a soldier based in germany, the only reason she was able to get dead rising and Stranglehold is because she gets them from the Naafi on the barracks... hmm barracks - Barrack... oh my god CONSPIRACY! contact Lyndon Larouche! America's future president is a military conspiracy to murder him using videogames somehow!!!

[Tom]

Well, a quick google search shows nothing beyond Germany "may" ban violent video games. They've been pretty restrictive on games even beyond just the "no swastikas" rule, but it doesn't appear this ever amounted to anything. Joystiq reported today that Germany is restricting the violence (http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/06/age-of-conans-violence-toned-down-for-germany/) in the Age of Conan game.

Not just Germany - here in the States we're banning the full frontal nudity part of the game. Nipples are still OK, though.

I really, really don't get that. You can decapitate, maim and gore people but you can't show a naked body. If I get that game I'm going to buy the European version on general principle.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Not just Germany - here in the States we're banning the full frontal nudity part of the game. Nipples are still OK, though.

I really, really don't get that. You can decapitate, maim and gore people but you can't show a naked body. If I get that game I'm going to buy the European version on general principle.

So far Germany dose not "ban" persay there is the one or 2 they will pound their chests over but you can buy the uncensored games even the ones with swastikas, heres what they do the games are not displayed in public, only places that block under 18/17 foot traffic will display them otherwise their behind the counter.

[Pominator]

Buying good games in germany is like getting drugs from the local liquor store.

People know what you are doing, the government doesn't like it and it is supposed to make you feel dirty inside, damn vidjagames corrupting peoples souls! Look what they did to baby Hitler! Made him go to war Call of Duty did... of course after seeing CoD3 I wanted to kill people too, it doesn't deserve to bear the label! CoD4 is great though!

[ZippyDSMlee]

Buying good games in germany is like getting drugs from the local liquor store.

People know what you are doing, the government doesn't like it and it is supposed to make you feel dirty inside, damn vidjagames corrupting peoples souls! Look what they did to baby Hitler! Made him go to war Call of Duty did... of course after seeing CoD3 I wanted to kill people too, it doesn't deserve to bear the label! CoD4 is great though!

meh its more like getting pre 1950 wine,most stores only carry the cheaper new stuff.

[Soldat_Louis]

Last news from video games in Germany.

Recently, the House of Youth installed a couple of computers for which they acquired a license of Counter-Strike. Controversy was predictable. And German (tabloid ?) magazine Bild titled "Killergames in House of Youth" (http://www.bild.de/BILD/hamburg/aktuell/2008/05/08/killer-spiele/im-jugend-zentrum,geo=4475424.html), stating that this "computer game is unsurpassed in terms of brutality. Terrorists fight anti-terrorist units. Blood flows in streams. The aim is to kill as many "enemies" as possible", and invoking 2002 Erfurt Massacre. BILDblog, a website tracking and exposing Bild's bias and errors, was quick to respond. (http://www.bildblog.de/2953/killerargumente)

Even more recently, Bavarian Justice Minister Beate Merk called for a prohibition of "killergames". (http://www.beate-merk.de/presse/194_2008-05-09_Killerspiele.pdf) And German Parliament voted a law in order to enfore video game regulation and the indexing of "harmful games".

At the same time, German politicians are trying to organize a sort of "video game awards" in order to promote "good" and "educational" games.

Kudos to great German-speaking website Stigma-Videospiele (http://www.stigma-videospiele.de/) for all these infos.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Last news from video games in Germany.

Recently, the House of Youth installed a couple of computers for which they acquired a license of Counter-Strike. Controversy was predictable. And German (tabloid ?) magazine Bild titled "Killergames in House of Youth" (http://www.bild.de/BILD/hamburg/aktuell/2008/05/08/killer-spiele/im-jugend-zentrum,geo=4475424.html), stating that this "computer game is unsurpassed in terms of brutality. Terrorists fight anti-terrorist units. Blood flows in streams. The aim is to kill as many "enemies" as possible", and invoking 2002 Erfurt Massacre. BILDblog, a website tracking and exposing Bild's bias and errors, was quick to respond. (http://www.bildblog.de/2953/killerargumente)

Even more recently, Bavarian Justice Minister Beate Merk called for a prohibition of "killergames". (http://www.beate-merk.de/presse/194_2008-05-09_Killerspiele.pdf) And German Parliament voted a law in order to enfore video game regulation and the indexing of "harmful games".

At the same time, German politicians are trying to organize a sort of "video game awards" in order to promote "good" and "educational" games.

Kudos to great German-speaking website Stigma-Videospiele (http://www.stigma-videospiele.de/) for all these infos.
they already prevent the sale of some/most violent games by not selling them in public...what more do they want?

[XCON Faxion]

Developers are known for censoring out violence in many of their games when released in Germany. Far Cry was a good example. Often the German version is censored out for gore. If the game is rated as unsuitable for anyone under 18 it become difficult to sell. But most crafty modders put the gore back in by changing a value or something.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Developers are known for censoring out violence in many of their games when released in Germany. Far Cry was a good example. Often the German version is censored out for gore. If the game is rated as unsuitable for anyone under 18 it become difficult to sell. But most crafty modders put the gore back in by changing a value or something.

But you know you can buy the uncensored version they have them behind the counter, you just have to be 18+ ^^

thats something thats not reported enough, they just can not display the games in a public place or sale to minors.

[Twin-Skies]

This topic never gets old for me.

I mean, we're talking about the country that invented the assault rifle (STG44), the submachine gun (Bergmann MP18), and cruise missiles (V-2), among other toys.

Sounds pretty hypocritical to me :mad:

[ZippyDSMlee]

This topic never gets old for me.

I mean, we're talking about the country that invented the assault rifle (STG44), the submachine gun (Bergmann MP18), and cruise missiles (V-2), among other toys.

Sounds pretty hypocritical to me :mad:

And nazis and the holocaust :P

[Twin-Skies]

And nazis and the holocaust :P

...did you just Godwin this thread?

[Hannah]

...did you just Godwin this thread?

I think every thread involving ze Germans comes pre-Godwinned.

[ZippyDSMlee]

I think every thread involving ze Germans comes pre-Godwinned.

I was going to say that :P

[Pelor]

Hey guys. Watch me nit-pick.

I mean, we're talking about the country that invented the assault rifle (STG44), the submachine gun (Bergmann MP18), and cruise missiles (V-2), among other toys.
The V-1 was a cruise missile. The V-2 was a ballistic missile.

[Games5522]

But you know you can buy the uncensored version they have them behind the counter, you just have to be 18+ ^^

thats something thats not reported enough, they just can not display the games in a public place or sale to minors.

Actually, the German 18+ version is still censored slightly. Most serious gamers in Germany have to import to get their games completely uncensored.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fschnittberichte.com%2Fsch nittberichteliste.php%3FKat%3DList%26List%3DGame%2 6Sort%3DAZ&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sl=de&tl=en

The above link is to a website that compares the censored versions with the regular versions. This shows how ridiculous the censorship is in Germany. I feel kinda sorry for them. :(

[Twin-Skies]

Hey guys. Watch me nit-pick.


The V-1 was a cruise missile. The V-2 was a ballistic missile.

Hey, you're right - the V-1 had air intakes. My bad:D

On the other hand, the Germans did create that trademark helmet with ear guards. The US Army fields a similarly designed piece.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Actually, the German 18+ version is still censored slightly. Most serious gamers in Germany have to import to get their games completely uncensored.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fschnittberichte.com%2Fsch nittberichteliste.php%3FKat%3DList%26List%3DGame%2 6Sort%3DAZ&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sl=de&tl=en

The above link is to a website that compares the censored versions with the regular versions. This shows how ridiculous the censorship is in Germany. I feel kinda sorry for them. :(

ya but the behind the counter stuff is no censored, stores can sell the imports but it can;t be shown to the public, its a interesting contrast since in the UK you can't import it :P.

[beemoh]

ya but the behind the counter stuff is no censored, stores can sell the imports but it can;t be shown to the public, its a interesting contrast since in the UK you can't import it :P.

You can import it, you just can't sell it.

[ZippyDSMlee]

You can import it, you just can't sell it.

You can import it but theres a higher than normal chance they'll claim it as contraband, wonder if you can sell it in the resale market...mmmmm

[Soldat_Louis]

Last week, an amendment was voted in Germany, that reinforces legislation against so-called "killer games", which are now forbidden to minors.

More details here (http://www.heise.de/newsticker/Bundesrat-billigt-Verbot-von-Killerspielen-fuer-Jugendliche--/meldung/109408), although it's in German. I also found one page in English (http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/3r0t1c+n3rd/-killergames-are-now-illegal-for-minors-in-germany-i-wish-i-was-kidding--90727.phtml) on that subject :


"Killergames" are now illegal for minors in germany. I wish I was kidding!
by 3r0t1c n3rd on 06.15.2008

We got a new law in my homecountry. According to this law, Killergames are now illigal to own
for minors. There's no exact definition of Killergames, but who cares. And since I'm no minor,
I can't be really bothered that it's now a little harder for me to get my Call of Duty's and
Halo's. I import anyways.

But what does bother me, is the fact that violent games are now essentially on the same level
as porn, guns, alcohol and smokes. And the "new media", like Websites and Blogs, can now
be shut down too, if they show "material that is harmfull to the youth". Good times.

And all for the sake of those damn politics, who just want to cop out of dealing with the real
issues we have with the youth in this country. Instead they say: "Once we locked away all
those evil video games everything will be fine."

So what next? Do I need to cover the new Call of Duty in a brown bag when I leave the store?

[ZippyDSMlee]

Last week, an amendment was voted in Germany, that reinforces legislation against so-called "killer games", which are now forbidden to minors.

More details here (http://www.heise.de/newsticker/Bundesrat-billigt-Verbot-von-Killerspielen-fuer-Jugendliche--/meldung/109408), although it's in German. I also found one page in English (http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/3r0t1c+n3rd/-killergames-are-now-illegal-for-minors-in-germany-i-wish-i-was-kidding--90727.phtml) on that subject :
have not mature games always been forbidden to minors?

[Brokenscope]

This may be going beyond illegal to buy, and all the way to illegal to own/play.

[ZippyDSMlee]

This may be going beyond illegal to buy, and all the way to illegal to own/play.

But you can buy mature imported games that is if you are not a minor, I see insted of polishing the out of the sight of minor spirit of law they have they want to create a ludicrous layer of censorship....

I mean really just ban the net all movies half of TV and books and any song thats not 20 years old, and you will still have humans killing each other randomly because thats part of human nature...... :eek:

[BlackIce, British Commie]

This is what happens when you elect Christian Democrats into a country that has been fighting Religious Wars for almost a thousand years.

[KN]

Christian Democrats are the scum of the earth.

[BlackIce, British Commie]

Christian Democrats are the scum of the earth.

And one of the best Oxymorons in existance.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Christian Democrats are the scum of the earth.

Christian consertives just want business untouched and a few moronic moral rules put into place Christian Democrats summon PC nazis......oh wait I shouldn't of did that..... hehehehehehe

[BlackIce, British Commie]

Christian consertives just want business untouched and a few moronic moral rules put into place Christian Democrats summon PC nazis......oh wait I shouldn't of did that..... hehehehehehe

You are a PC Nazi.

[ZippyDSMlee]

BI

Correction dear I am a film/game nazi *lick rub rub nom nom*

[BlackIce, British Commie]

BI

Correction dear I am a film/game nazi *lick rub rub nom nom*

I stand by my original statement.

[ZippyDSMlee]

I stand by my original statement.

And that makes you an elitist from my presptive :P

(perhaps I should drag self off the floor eh? :eek:)

[BlackIce, British Commie]

And that makes you an elitist from my presptive :P

(perhaps I should drag self off the floor eh? :eek:)

Floor? You're already into the basement.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Floor? You're already into the basement.

Oh sorry I canna see well with my head up mew arse. =^^=

[BlackIce, British Commie]

Oh sorry I canna see well with my head up mew arse. =^^=

:rolleyes:

[D'sparil]

Why exactly does Germany have such strict game regulations? :confused: Does it have a lot to do with WW2?

[KN]

Why exactly does Germany have such strict game regulations? :confused: Does it have a lot to do with WW2?

You know how the US is really sensitive about slavery and black people?

Germany has that with every single thing regarding their history prior to the end of WWII

[ZippyDSMlee]

You know how the US is really sensitive about slavery and black people?

Germany has that with every single thing regarding their history prior to the end of WWII

yes but the whole uber ban to SKU black listing thing is just moronic and needs tweaking.

[MaskedPixelante]

Germany is not the place to go if you want to develop video games. I believe someone, probably one of the Crytek developers I think, said that he got looks when he was walking down the street.

Would it be ironic that Germany is using Nazi-esq levels of censorship in an attempt to prove that they're nothing like Nazis?

[KN]

Germany is not the place to go if you want to develop video games. I believe someone, probably one of the Crytek developers I think, said that he got looks when he was walking down the street.

Would it be ironic that Germany is using Nazi-esq levels of censorship in an attempt to prove that they're nothing like Nazis?

Yes, yes it is. They are literally more fanatic at exterminating anything offensive than the nazis were at exterminating the jews.

[Hannah]

Yes, yes it is. They are literally more fanatic at exterminating anything offensive than the nazis were at exterminating the jews.

And arguably more effective, though not by much.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Germany is not the place to go if you want to develop video games. I believe someone, probably one of the Crytek developers I think, said that he got looks when he was walking down the street.

Would it be ironic that Germany is using Nazi-esq levels of censorship in an attempt to prove that they're nothing like Nazis?

its not that bad, some polis were talking about it but it got no where.

[Hannah]

its not that bad, some polis were talking about it but it got no where.

Well, they do have a nasty habit of banning anything that features Nazis in a non-historical setting (eg. Castle Wolfenstein -- the fact that the Nazis were portrayed as bad guys apparently didn't matter) plus anything that might possibly be construed as Nazi or otherwise anti-democratic propaganda. Admittedly they censor books, films, music, and all other media just as readily as games, but it's still ridiculous.

[ZippyDSMlee]

Well, they do have a nasty habit of banning anything that features Nazis in a non-historical setting (eg. Castle Wolfenstein -- the fact that the Nazis were portrayed as bad guys apparently didn't matter) plus anything that might possibly be construed as Nazi or otherwise anti-democratic propaganda. Admittedly they censor books, films, music, and all other media just as readily as games, but it's still ridiculous.

I'll give them the nazistic nazi banning, that they are hard core on but like all PC zero thought setups it's kinda flawed.