Rapid changes in the computer gaming market indicate a need for a consistent classification scheme.
Development of the technology to produce computer games has seen a growth in the range and sophistication of gaming now available. Not all are these games are suitable for younger eyes and ears.
A growing number of these games contain sinister and often explicit scenes of violence, sex and strong language.
Simon Mansfield of Gamezone describes some of the more violent games. 'Grand Theft Auto' is a game about stealing cars and killing people. 'Resident Evil 2' is a game about killing zombies.
While there is a classification system already in place, it is basic. Minister for Justice John O'Donoghue has today launched a new, clearer age rating initiative to help parents choose suitable games for their children. The problem of enforcement is that it requires game distributors to self-regulate. There is no legal obligation on distributors to comment on content or suitability. John O'Donoghue says there is a review of the video recordings act across all media which may lead to the publication of new legislation.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 6 November 2000. The reporter is Sharon Ní Bheoláin.
