Developing and selling violent video games in Germany could both become illegal under laws set to go through parliament soon.
The German Web site Chip Online, through GameZine, reports that all 16 German states have come together in agreement on the law. All games would be banned "where the main part is to realistically play the killing of people or other cruel or unhuman acts of violence against humans or manlike characters."
Parliament could vote on the proposed law within weeks or months. Because the ban would affects development and sales, game studios in Germany, such as Crysis developer Crytek, won't be able create violent video games.
That's the part that really bugs me. Germany has a reputation for being tough on violent games, banning the most notoriously violent titles -- Manhunt, Madworld and Mortal Kombat among them -- so I'm not surprised that certain politicians would seek to broaden the law. Also, these bans don't make it illegal to play the game if the consumer can somehow get a copy.
But to stifle creativity itself in the name of protecting society takes censorship far beyond what is rational (not that I support the ban of violent game sales to begin with). I hope the German parliament comes to this realization when the law comes up for consideration.
