Of the many stories I read about the public up in arms over improper video games ending up in the hands of children, little responsibility seems to be put at the door step of the retailer. I think even our Mr. Thompson has said that one of the goals he is seeking is to stop inappropriate games being given to minors, yet when he interacts with retailers it is usually to attempt them to not sell a game completely, instead of sell it appropriately.

In the case of rated movies, and even alcohol and pornography (which games have often been compared to, much to my distaste), when a child acquires them the retailer that sold them is usually blamed, not the movie, alcohol or pornographic industries. Yet with games, it is the industry that is blamed.

Are retailers getting off light? Is the ratings system of various countries being unfairly blamed? Should we, as gamers who want the industry to mature and be taken more seriously (as books, cinema and other entertainment arts are) start acting to influence change with retailers?