During Christmas time, Jana and I decided to buy PlayStation 2 just so we can play Guitar Hero 2. Of course I bought it for more than just that reason – I love the Final Fantasy series! I decided to go to the not-so-local (and super busy) EB Games at Yorkdale last Sunday to pick up Final Fantasy X. In my long line-up, there was a kid – probably 12 to 14 years old, with her mother, lining up to buy Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
For those who don’t know what GTA:SA is, this game is the only game rated Adults Only by the ESRB rating, and apparently retailers will get fine $5,000 for selling adults only game to a minor. So of course when the kid ask for the game and pay for it, the first salesperson warns the parents that this is for adults only and inform them of the possible game play (have sex with hookers to get money). The mom wanted more clarification, so the second salesperson comes and first read the back of the ESRB warning to the mom, then proceeds to tell her the more explicit details. Remember – there are at least 10 people lining up to pay for items, plus another 20 people in this crammed store, listening to the events unfolding! The mom caved to the kid’s wishes and bought the game anyway!
I am sorry – there should be a law against irresponsible parents buying violent, adult video game for kids. As if we don’t have enough shootings out there, we now have to contend with kids wanting sex with hookers and stealing cars before the age of 16?! While I am not here to pass judgement on the mom who decided to expose the kid to this kind of video game, but if we fine the retailers for selling the game, smokes, or porn to kids under 18, the parents should be fined for explicitly allowing the kid to play the game, knowing full well the consequences of his/her actions.
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Yes, the fine is having to put up with unruly kids. She’ll pay for it plenty later.