Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

March 20, 2009

A member of Scotland's Parliament believes that video games have a bad reputation that is unjustified.

Edge Online reports that Gavin Brown, a Conservative, spoke out earlier this week during a debate over tax breaks for Scottish video game developers. Noting the large number of games suitable for young children, Brown said:

[We] must ensure that a positive perception of games is promoted, instead of the negative perception that some games might have attracted... Gaming is extremely popular, but only 3 percent of games sold have a mature or 18 rating. It is important for us to emphasise the positive aspects of gaming.

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Comments

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by JoeCB1991 on Mon, 03/23/2009 - 00:07.

Thank you Scottish guy.

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Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by NovaBlack on Sat, 03/21/2009 - 05:30.

Hmm as much as i 99.9% like this guy i still gotta say..

I dont like the inference that 97% of games (not mature) are 'good' and the ohter 3% mature are 'bad'. Its a step in the right direction (any support is better than none) but it still has that 'mature games are bad, simply because they are mature' stigma attached to its logic.

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by State on Sat, 03/21/2009 - 15:34.

Like Canary Wunderboy said aren't you just being paranoid. The 18-rated games attract a lot of negative press and have their content widely reported (which the public usually takes as "Look at these violent games aimed at corrupting your children").

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by shamrock on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 15:00.

I think this is a mountain out of a molehill. Think about it. How bad are video games? Is it not bigger now that the entire film industry? Yes it is. Like alcohol, some games shouldn't be given to children. That makes sense, we all know it. Parents are the ignorant ones.

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Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by Chuma on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 14:01.

Translation for the cynical:-

In this recession, we really need to back companies like Rock Star North who employ lots of people in Scotland.

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by JustChris on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 13:25.

The lack of positive news on video games is due to the old saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" or, "if it ain't broke, it ain't exciting to talk about".

GameSnooper

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by Zerodash on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 11:21.

This guy's words suggest a sentiment that Mature games are somehow bad. Like that "3 percent" is somehow the bad stuff. Why do people assume that the existience of games for adult audiences are bad? Are R-Rated movies or books for mature readers bad as well?

If you read between the lines, this guy is almost as full of shit as the anti-games politicians...

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by Canary Wundaboy on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 13:10.

Don't you think that's just a little paranoid? I really don't see what you're implying at all in his comments. He doesnt say that the 3% is negative in any way, just that they draw the most negative attention, which is, let's face it, 100% true.

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Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by hellfire7885 on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 10:42.

Wow, he actually understands gaming.

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by Shadow D. Darkman on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 10:38.

Jack Thompson with his usual rant in 3, 2, 1...

What's his usual rant? He will think Mr. Brown has been compromised by the video game industry, and his opinion is no longer credible, since he now supports "murder simulators" which is bullshit.

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Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by mdo7 on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 19:35.

Hey, I wanted to say that. Oh well.

JT could say Brown is part of the conspiracy and is a member of Rockstar game and wants to promote "murder simulator".

Here's another scenario, What would happen if Brown is Irish, this is what JT (and probably Keith Vaz) would say:

"That guy is an IRA (Irish Republican Army) supporter. You know what IRA use to train their soldiers. VIDEO GAMES!!!!!! The IRA train on Counterstrike, Bomberman, and also they're big fan of the anime/manga Code Geass. I even heard they called England Britannia. That why Brown support these murder simulators, without video game the IRA can't attack England."

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by Nocturne on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 11:17.

Labours still in charge for the rest of the UK though.

Labour still arn't helping games by not giving tax cuts etc, which are supported by the Conservatives. Boris Johnson (Conservative/London Mayor) said they should give tax cuts as well.

Hopefully at the least Scotland will introduce tax cuts, will help Rockstar North.

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by killatia on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 10:29.

THank you Scottish MP, thank you.

http://www.magicinkgaming.com/

Re: Scottish MP Says Games Don't Deserve Bad Rep

Submitted by Canary Wundaboy on Fri, 03/20/2009 - 10:08.

And he's a Tory, no surprise. Seems like the Conservatives have the sensible ideas on videogames at the moment, between this guy and Ed Vaizey they're making the Labour party, with the extremely vocal Keith Vaz, look completely out of touch.

Roll on General Election time!

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