May 8th, 2008

Reinforced Restrictions

If buying M-rated games wasn't that hard until now, it seems that restrictions are getting stronger with each day, because a recent study of the Federal Trade Comission has shown that only 20 percent of the 13-16 years mistery shoppers sent to buy M-rated games managed to do so, down from 42 percent back in 2006!

Mature Content Rating

Wait, there's even more! This study started in 2000, and back then, the undercover shoppers sent to specialty retailers, discount stores and electronics stores which were aged below 16 managed to buy M-rated games in a stunning proportion - 82 percent!

ESRB president Patricia Vance said "Video game retailers have clearly stepped up their efforts to enforce their store policies, and they deserve recognition for these outstanding results. We commend and applaud retailers for their strong support of the ESRB ratings, and will continue working with them to help ensure that these levels of compliance are sustained if not further increased."

If you're still below the legal age for "consuming" M-rated games, then I think you should get some older friends, they could really get in handy...