Much like the case of the American comic book industry in the 1950s, video games, and their effects on children, are becoming the subject of debate legislatures across the country. Recent years have seen several bills being proposed by state legislatures, seeking to ban the sale of violent video games to minors. Minnesota has now joined those ranks, by passing the video game statute, SF0875, which would fine underage consumers $25 for buying M-rated games.

SF0875, which was just signed into law, was, according to ESA President, Doug Lowenstein, “The State is attempting to impose liability on children because they know that courts have consistently held that they cannot penalize retailers. We believe that the courts will agree that fining children violates the First Amendment as well. If this law is implemented, it will not only limit First Amendment rights for Minnesota’s residents, it will create a huge amount of confusion for retailers, parents, and children.

The ESA has announced that it will challenge the new law in federal court. No information on when that suit will be filled yet, but we at Playfeed will be the first to keep you up to date on the latest developments in this story.