Anti-Censorship

Position Statement

The IGDA opposes any effort that would treat digital games differently from other forms of art and creative expression. Digital games are an expressive medium worthy of the same respect, and protections, as movies, literature and other forms of art and entertainment.

The IGDA fully stands behind voluntary, industry driven, content ratings that allow consumers to make informed purchasing/playing decisions for themselves and their families. Games are part of our cultural fabric and are enjoyed by diverse audiences.

Please refer to the "Key Points" section for more elaborated information.

Lobbying

The IGDA advocates for the rights of game developers by lobbying govermental bodies who try to censor or regulate our creative endeavors. The IGDA opposes any effort that would treat video games differently from other forms of media.

Review the our lobbying status updates to stay abreast of the IGDA's efforts.

Key Points

Ten "key points" have been devised to remind game developers of the importance and impact of their creative endeavors. Some of the points may seem overly obvious to most developers, but chances are that those not part of the industry are much less informed on the facts... These "key points" inform us all in the debate over censorship, regulation and the concerns over violence in games and other social issues.

References

The Committee has assembled a list of additional references related to anti-censorship, violence and social issues. Those interested in this topic are advised to read up.

Columns/Articles

The IGDA hosts two monthly columns and a bog that are relevant to the anti-censorship and violence debate:

• Culture Clash: The art and culture of games
• Reality Panic: Musings on industry issues
• The Ivory Tower: Academic insight from game researchers

The IGDA also publishes articles on a myriad of topics. Here are some relevant articles pertaining to anti-censorship, violence and social issues:

• Regulation Is Everyone's Business
• Amicus Brief - IDSA vs. St. Louis County (pdf)
• Panel on Game Addiction
• There Are No Words (Yet): The Desperately Incomplete Language of Gaming
• Playing a "Good" Game: A Philosophical Approach to Understanding the Morality of Games
• The Cultural Study of Games: More Than Just Games
• When Federal Trade Commissioners Attack

Sexuality Mailing List

The issue of sexuality in games is becoming more and more prevalent. To discuss these issues and topics, the IGDA is hosting the Sexuality and Games Mailing List.

Discussion Forum

Dive into the Violence & Social Issues Discussion Forum. The IGDA hosts online discussion forums to facilitate peer-to-peer communication and the sharing of knowledge.

The purpose of the Anti-Censorship & Social Issues Advisory Committee is to provide advice on anti-censorship and social advocacy efforts and consult with task forces doing projects in this area.

Committee Members

• John Feil - independent developer
• Matthew Ford - Auran
• Daniel Greenberg (chair) - independent developer
• Gerard Jones - author
• Christy Marx - freelance game writer
• Matthew Southern - Evolution Studios
• David Thomas - University of Colorado at Denver / Denver Post
• Damon Watson - Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
• Dmitri Williams - University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign