Gamertell

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been deeply involved in his activism against violent video games. He gave his assent to California’s video game law (or anti-game law as many believe), which found legal force in 2005, only to be overturned by a federal court as unconstitutional. This, however, didn’t dampen Schwarzenegger’s spirits and he sought an appeal. Schwarzenegger found himself in an ethical fix when a supposedly violent hack-and-slash game, Conan, based on a 1982 Arnold Schwarzenegger film of the same name, was released.

Schwarzenegger had reprised the role of Conan in the movie but is not featured in the videogame. However, the game being based on his movie was reason enough for people to point fingers at the Governor, who himself has acted in many action-packed violent movies and still opposes in-game violence.

The Governor has spoken finally - well, sorta. Arnold’s spokesman said, in an ABC interview, that the governor had nothing to do with the game which has been censured heavily for in-game violence by State Sen. Leland Yee, a staunch anti-violent game activist. The National Institute on Media and Family has even asked for the game to be made unavailable to children and teenagers during Christmas.

Maybe Arnold’s past of violent movies is a little disconcerting for him today. Hopefully he doesn’t end up disowning that past of his just to keep his fight against violent video games alive.

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The Entertainment Software Association has won a lawsuit against the state of Califronia’s Videogame Legislation and now seeks reimbursement for attorney fees and other expenses incurred during the court battle.

ESA filed a motion asking for $324,840 that would bring the organizations recouped fees and expenses close to $1.9 million. ESA’s President, Michael D. Gallagher, said the court battle could have been avoided if California state government considered ESA’s suggestion to work with policyholders on meeting the needs of concerned parents and raising awareness about videogame ratings as well as…

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Across the Atlantic, Manhunt 2 bore the brunt of the fierce campaign against excessively violent games. In the US, however, the Manhunt 2 episode doesn’t seem to have set any precedents, at least that’s how it appears for federal judge Ronald Whyte. In his recent ruling ruling, Whyte decided a California state law baring minors from playing violent games was unconstitutional. In anticipation to California Governor - and former movie star - Arnold Schwarzenegger’s expected appeal against the judgement, the Entertainment Software Association’s Video Game Voters Network (VGVN) is gathering support.

VGVN has uploaded the lengthy ruling on its website and is urging gamers to write to the Governor through the website in protest of the appeal. VGVN has also launched a diatribe against Gov. Schwarzenegger, labeling his movies as “violent.“ The group’s main contention is…

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