Quote Originally Posted by Geoffrey S
Can't see huge problems with this. They're just making it illegal for minors, rather than outright banning violent games. How is this different from making it illegal for minors to purchase liquor? To me this seems like a more mature approach, taking seriously the fact that certain games are designed for an adult audience and should be treated that way. At the very least this should raise awareness among parents that not all games are suitable, which arguably isn't the case right now.
The principle is fine, it's the felony charge attached that's the over-reaction. It criminalises people for actions that are very low level, and according to the article, such criminal penalties do not attach for equivalents, such as selling violent films, or much more damaging actions like selling liquor or cigarettes to minors.

Especially in the light of the three strikes rule, it is barking. The only possible rationale would be the belief that exposure to violent video imagery causes irreparable psychological harm to young people - in which case, they should be shutting down Hollywood and the TV networks first.