Douglas Lowenstein Parents Quotations

Today?s disclosure is a logical extension of the commitment of console makers to empowering parents. I am proud that each console maker has taken the initiative to give power to the parents, offering technology not available for DVD players or even portable music players that will allow parents to control the entertainment their children access.

The data provides further evidence dispelling the myth that game playing is dominated by teens. It tells us that parents see games both as an enjoyable activity on their own and one that allows them to engage with their children as well.

AB1179 is punitive against retailers, will waste limited taxpayer dollars, and when it is struck down by the courts, as has been the fate of similar statutes, parents will be no better off for this effort to damage one of the state's fastest-growing and most exciting industries that is providing some of the most compelling entertainment in the world today,

The combination of these new controls, the existing ESRB rating system, and voluntary commitments by retailers not to sell Mature and Adult Only games to minors strikes the right balance between strong self-regulation and the ultimate responsibility of parents to take charge of the media their kids consume.

The ESA is extremely pleased that Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony Computer Entertainment America have voluntarily stepped up to take concrete steps to put the power to regulate the games kids play where it belongs ? in the hands of parents, not government, retailers, or anyone else. The combination of these new controls, the existing ESRB rating system, and voluntary commitments by retailers not to sell Mature and Adult Only games to minors strikes the right balance between strong self-regulation and the ultimate responsibility of parents to take charge of the media their kids consume.

It was clear to everyone that the proposal would be found unconstitutional and would waste taxpayers' dollars in a protracted legal fight that would leave parents no better off.